198 Freds and Feeding. 



protein content was materially reduced, and with the heads all 

 dead it was still further diminished. There was also a diminution 

 in the ether extract and ash after the fnll-bloom stage of develop- 

 ment was passed. The nitrogen- free extract, carrying the most 

 valuable carbohydrates, was also materially lessened after the 

 plant had passed the full-bloom stage. On the other hand, the 

 crude fiber, which renders hay woody and is the least valuable 

 portion, was increased in the period between full bloom and the 

 time when the heads were all dead. Probably much of the loss 

 in nutrients at this time was through the leaves and finer parts of 

 the plant falling off and wasting on the ground. 



287. The proper time for cutting clover. — The table just given 

 throws much light on this important topic, and clearly points to 

 full bloom as theoretically the best time for cutting clover for hay. 

 If cut before bloom the amount of water in the crop is so excess- 

 ive that the process of hay making is slow and unsatisfactory. If 

 delayed until the blossom heads are all brown, the conversion into 

 hay is much simplified, for the plants have then parted with much 

 of the water they carry while developing, and are consequently 

 easily dried. But such hay, as shown by the table, has lost much 

 of its valuable protein and carbohydiates. Practice and theory, 

 then, cx)mbine in setting the period when one-third of the clover 

 heads are turning brown, as the best, all factors considered, for 

 hay making. 



288. Methods of clover hay making. — Hay making from clover 

 has fallen into three lines, each of which has its ad^"a^tage3 accord- 

 ing to locality and weather conditions. Under the first system 

 the clover is mown as soon as the dew is off, and by frequent ted- 

 dings and turnings, aided by bright, hot sunshine, it is ready for 

 raking in the afternoon, and housing before five o'clock, at which 

 time the gathering dew shuts off further operations. Under this 

 system the clover plant must be well ripened, indeed past its 

 prime, for hay, and the weather very favorable, if good results 

 are to be secured. 



The second system differs from the first only in cutting the 

 clover so late in the afternoon that the dew does not materially 

 affect the plants because they have as yet wilted but little. The 



