51 1 Tin: FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



Alter the bay has wilted a few hours in the windrows it should be put 

 into cocks. The time varies according to the condition of the weather, lu 

 •cool, fine weather it may be left about half a day. while in hot, scorching 

 weather it should be put into cocks almost immediately. In cloudy, dull 

 weather it is left from one to two days. Drying is done to remove the exces- 

 sive quantity of moisture, and to get the hay in such a condition in the field 

 that when stacked it will not heat too much nor become mouldy. The 

 moisture is removed by the heat and wind drawing it off directly, as it is. 

 removed from a wet cloth, or by the leaves transpiring as they do when the 

 crop is growing. Heat dries the tender leaves rapidly, causing- them to 

 become too dry while the stems are still insufficiently dry. The hay dries best 

 when the activity of transpiration in the leaves can be maintained. This 

 gradually exhausts the moisture of the stems, and the curing takes place 

 more evenly. This natural transpiration of moisture is obtained by putting 

 the hay into cocks soon after raking into windrows. The leaves in the cocks 

 are protected from the direct rays of the sun, and are not scorched. By 

 following this plan the loss of both quality and quantity is materially 

 reduced. Hay cured in this way is sure to keep well in the stack, while i: 

 dried in the swath or windrow it is almost sure to blacken or burn. 



The cocks should be made narrow and high, rather than broad and flat. 

 In wet, muggy weather, moulding is liable to start in the cocks, especially 

 where leafy, sappy stuff is handled. To obviate this danger the cocks should 

 •occasionally be gently moved to let in the air. Just before stacking, the 

 cocks are sometimes moved to expose the lower hay, which is inclined to be 

 slightly damp. Exposure to the air for an hour or two soon drives off the 

 moisture and puts the hay in a proper condition for stacking. 



The time the hay is allowed to remain in the cocks depends upon the 

 weather conditions. In fine, hot weather it can be stacked two days after 

 cutting, while in cool weather three to four days are necessary. Care has to 

 be taken that it is not stacked whilst so damp that combustion or mould will 

 occur in the stack, but, on the other hand, it is equally important that it 

 •does not become so dry that its palatability, digestibility, weight, and 

 appearance are injured. It is work in which some experience is required to 

 secure the best results. A farmer with a large quantity of valuable hay 

 lying in the field is tempted to bring it in too early to avoid the risk of 

 damage from rain, while in good drying weather he is inclined to leave it 

 longer than necessary to avoid the risk of loss in the stack. It must be 

 remembered that good colour is of great importance, and by leaving it 

 too long, the hay on the outside of the cocks will bleach, and lose its 

 ■green colour, and seriously affect the appearance of the whole of the hay. 

 Generally speaking, good drying weather can be obtained in most of the 

 lucerne-growing districts of the State, and the chief danger to provide 

 against is over-drying. 



Stacking. 



It is almost impossible to indicate exactly when the hay is at the 

 right stage for stacking. Little danaer exists of insufficient drying of the 

 leaves; the chief danger exists in the stems. These should be examined 

 carefully to ascertain whether they have lost their sappiness. If they are 

 sappy and moist, the hay should not be stacked. Generally it is right to 

 bring in when it has a crisp feel rather than a dead, damp feeling. Lucerne 

 "hay should preferably be stored in sheds. It does not shed rain well, and 



