300 PRACTICAL FACTS. 



the animal so much as when cut in the blossom." 

 Another says : " Next to sweet, fresh grass, we think 

 that rowen will make cows, working cattle, or horses, 

 thrive better than any other feed, unless in the case of 

 cattle hard at work. We conclude, therefore, that all 

 hay is best cut early. Coarse hay will keep stock tole- 

 rably well, cut early, which, if allowed to mature, 

 would not be eaten at all. 77 



The testimony of another practical farmer on this 

 point is as follows : " We cut after the blossoms begin 

 to fall, and before they have all fallen. It has more 

 substance and weight cut at that time than if cut 

 sooner, more sweetness and juice than if cut later." 

 Another farmer says : " Our rule is to cut hay in the 

 blossom, as it is then in the best state for feeding, less 

 woody and much sweeter than later, and leaves the 

 roots in better state for a second, or another annual 

 crop." Another very intelligent practical farmer says : 

 " We cut in blossom, because it is then most palatable 

 to stock. If allowed to stand much longer, there is a 

 draft upon the soil for the growth of the seed, which is 

 not repaid by the additional value of the hay, if, indeed, 

 it is increased in value at all. My opinion, derived 

 from my own experience, is, that the grasses will 

 sooner die out if allowed to stand later. 7 ' A farmer 

 who prefers to cut all other grasses when in blossom 

 says, " It will not do to cut blue joint or fowl meadow 

 till some of the seeds fall, as it will soon run them out." 

 An intelligent farmer of Massachusetts says, " When 

 English grass is in full blossom it has all the good qual- 

 ities it can have. From that time I think it loses in 

 value in proportion to the time which it stands. Swale 

 hay should be cut rather green. If fully ripe, it is hard 

 and dry." Another says : " We cut about the time the 

 blossom falls. The grass is then at its full growth. If 



