ALFALFA. 95 



The success of wintering stock 'depends largely on the character of 

 the hay crop. This may be almost worthless from either of two causes : 

 First, from being injured in the curing; second, from not being cut in 

 season, either of which is alike prejudicial to its quality. There is a 

 medium in the process of curing hay, that acts favorably and avoids any 

 injury that may arise from too little or too much curing. Too little cur- 

 ing is a careless manner of taking hay to the stack before the external 

 moisture is all expelled, and the grass has not had time to wilt properly. 

 Too much curing is allowing it to dry to such an extent as to be hard and 

 brittle, and the leaves are shaken off which is the sweetest part of alfalfa. 

 Large quantities of hay are spoiled from being hauled a little on the 

 green side, or when a little too moist, and in this condition there is an 

 accumulation of unnatural heating, and subsequent mustiness. It is often 

 injured by being exposed too much to the sun. This not only causes the 

 volatile aroma to escape, but much of the coloring matter also, as is 

 shown in its bleached appearance. The milk and butter produced by feed 

 of this kind will be deficient, alike in color, flavor and quantity. It is 

 one of the most valuable fodder plants in the world, but the present 

 method of curing, by exposure to a hot sun, reduces the crop somewhat in 

 flavor and value. A question for the future is ensilage that is, storing it 

 when green and watery thus preserving all the nutritive qualities. This 

 method is meeting with great success in Europe and some parts of the 

 East." 



The following instructions about making the hay are given by Mr. 

 Lee, in his catalogue, and are perhaps as good "fair weather" suggestions 

 as can be made. 



" In making hay, cut one day, let it lay on the swath and cure all 

 next day, raking up early on the morning of the third ; if the sun should 

 not shine clear, a longer time may be required. Never shake it out or 

 turn it in the swath in this country, as it will cure perfectly without it, 

 and the more it is turned and disturbed the more it will lose of its leaves 

 and fine stems. Cock it up immediately after raking, while yet damp 

 with the dew, if possible, and let it cure in the cock from one to three 

 days before stacking." 



A good average yield to the acre, per cutting, is from one and one- 

 half to two tons or from four and one-half to six tons for the season. 

 Some prominent cultivators are now using the third crop for pasturing, 

 instead of cutting it. They turn horses and cattle upon it, (after a heavy 



