190 FIELD 'AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



manure. The aftermath is usually good, much stronger than tim- 

 othy, and furnishes succulent pasturage until well into the winter. 

 (F. B. 361.) 



Canada Bluegrass Hay. There are comparatively few sec- 

 tions where Canada bluegrass is cut for hay, so that it can hardly be 

 considered a hay grass. Under very favorable conditions yields of 

 a ton to a ton and a half per acre are secured, but these are exceptions, 

 the average being probably not more than one-half ton. It is on ac- 

 count of its low yield that it is not utilized as a hay grass, for it makes 

 a very palatable hay and is above the average in feeding value. There 

 is no definite market for the hay, but it has a ready local sale, and at 

 points where it is well known it sells for nearly as high a price as 

 timothy. 



At Fort Erie, Ontario, where a large number of race horses are 

 stabled, Canada bluegrass is much in demand and is considered by 

 the horsemen there to be quite valuable. Liverymen, however, 

 usually prefer timothy, since it is a bulkier hay and can be used 

 more economically in feeding to transient and boarding horses, and 

 also because it can be fed without danger of serious results. Some 

 care must be used in feeding Canada bluegrass hay, as it has a slight 

 tendency to produce colic in horses if fed in large quantities. If 

 desired for hay, the grass should be cut a little before it has reached 

 what is known as the "golden" stage. This is the stage at which it 

 is cut for seed, but since it makes a very good hay when cut in the 

 golden stage it is often left until then so that it may be thrashed 

 if seed is desired. (Canada Bulletin.) 



When timothy, alsike clover, and Canada bluegrass are grown 

 together, as is commonly the case, the combination makes a hay of 

 excellent quality. (F. B. 402.) 



Millet Hay. The most common use made of millets of practi- 

 cally all varieties is as a hay crop. It compares very favorably with 

 timothy hay, slightly exceeding it, when properly made, both in 

 composition and in digestibility. When wanted for hay, millet may 

 be cut when the heads begin to appear, and on until it is in bloom. 

 The quality of the hay deteriorates rapidly as the seed develops. 

 Cutting should never be delayed until the seed begins to ripen. 

 Ripe millet hay is not only much less palatable and less digestible, but 

 the stiff hairs or beards are a source of annoyance and even danger 

 to the stock. Millet hay is made very much as timothy. As it is 

 usually of ranker growth it takes somewhat longer to cure it. It is 

 well to cure it in part in the swath and, later, leave it in the cock 

 for a few days. (Ohio B. 225.) 



It makes a desirable feed for cattle, sheep and horses, but it is 

 well not to feed it too exclusively. The exclusive feeding of over-ripe 

 millet has been known to injuriously affect the kidneys of horses. 

 The short, stiff hairs of ripe millet are also harmful. Millet makes 

 a palatable hay and is consumed with less waste than many of the 

 annuals used as hay producers. (Ohio B. 81.) 



It is best not to cut too early, as the hay is liable to have a more 

 or less laxative effect upon the animals eating it. However, it is 



