106 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



better time is when the heads are just beginning to turn 

 brown. This will make hay which has more protein in it 

 and the cows like it better if it is cut early. 



Permanent Pastures. — A permanent pasture is a field 

 which is used as a pasture each summer and does not enter 

 into any systematic rotation. In some instances the field is 

 used for such a pasture because of the rough surface making 

 it untillable. It may be too steep or hilly, or too stony, or 

 have too many stumps, or be too low and wet for cultivated 

 crops. In some of these places pastures may be very good 

 if properly maintained. 



Fig. 54. — Dump hay-rake used in raking hay into windrows. (Plant Industry.) 



In still other instances we find permanent pastures on 

 the very best soil and over tillable areas. 



Good Pasture Plants. — Low white clover, Kentucky 

 blue grass, and timothy are the most popular and best plants 

 for pastures where the climate is moist and cool. There are 

 many other grasses which we often find growing with these, 

 such as red top, meadow fescue, orchard grass, and Canada 

 blue grass. A variety of grasses is best because of the dif- 

 ferent kinds of seasons, and variations in soils. For example. 



