56 Bulletin 78 



From the windrow, alfalfa should be ready for stacking in two 

 days and for baling in three days. The length of time required 

 for curing will, of course, depend upon the temperature, the 

 intensity of sunshine, and the amount of wind. A good rule is that 

 hay is ready for stacking when water can no longer be twisted 

 out of a wisp of stems held between the hands. It is not ready 

 for baling, however, until such twisting will cause the stems to 

 break. 



Many farmers prefer to cure alfalfa in the cock rather than 

 in the windrow. This method is more suited to the intensive 

 farmer and to situations or times when there is danger of showers 

 during the haying season. Hay in the cock resists the effect of 

 rain better than in the windrow and is, moreover, in position to 

 be protected by canvas or paper caps. Where the price of hay is 

 high and the curing must be made in a rainy season, hay caps are 

 frequently used with much profit. Caps made of canvas are prefer- 

 able since they are more durable and are not blown off so badly 

 by strong winds. Such caps, 40 inches square, weighted at the 

 corners, can be manufactured especially for this purpose and 

 sold at about 12 cents each. 



The hay is usually allowed to remain in the windrow for one 

 day, or until it is about half dry. It is then bunched with the rake 

 or by hand, and thrown into cocks with the fork. Hay cocks are 

 preferably as tall and narrow as possible to allow better cir- 

 culation of air around and through them. Here the hay may 

 remain three, four, or more days until it is thoroughly cured, where- 

 upon it may be baled or stacked directly from the cock. 



ALMONDS 



Almonds have been grown with fair success and profit, especially 

 when planted in large orchards where artificial protection of the 

 bloom from spring frosts by smudging is practicable. Some varieties 

 bloom during early February while others bloom several weeks later. 

 The sharp frosts of midwinter and the warm, dry weather of spring 

 and early summer, seem to supply just the climatic conditions 

 needed by this nut. Of late years the prevalence of the disease 

 known as crown gall (see Ariz. Sta. Timely Hint for Farmers No. 118) 

 has caused the profit from almond culture to be very uncertain. 

 Red spiders sometimes cause injury to the leaves, and birds often 

 appropriate the nuts from isolated trees. The I. X. L. is, perhaps, 

 the surest bearing variety, while the Nonpareil grows well and is 



