FARMS. 99 



We think there is a period in the growth of herds-grass, when 

 it reaches its maximum in this respect — when it contains all the 

 elements it is capable of supplying the animal which consumes 

 it. But this is not when it is half-grown ; when the head is 

 half-formed ; when it has no well-organized fibre to give it 

 strength and consistency. It is not when it is in blossom. For 

 at both these periods it is deficient in starch, and sugar, and 

 gluten, the most important of its nutritive elements ; and it 

 abounds with water. It is in fact immature, and is in the con- 

 dition of an unripe apple or potato, or any other plant, or fruit, 

 or root, which is half-grown, and half-organized. 



We do not mean to contend that grass should be "ripe" 

 before it is cut ; for the change which takes place in the stalk 

 of all grasses which bear seeds or grain, when the seed becomes 

 mature, and fit for reproduction, is such as to deprive them of 

 a large portion of their nutritive elements, and to leave a large 

 preponderance of woody, indigestible matter. The plant has 

 then reached a period when its decay begins, and when its value 

 consists very much in the seed which it has borne. 



There is a period, however, when the seed is fully formed, and 

 is yet " in the milk " as it is termed, during which grasses con- 

 tain more nourishment, including that found in the stalk, leaves, 

 and seeds, than at any other. This is the time when we think 

 herds-grass ought to be cut. It has then, "more heart in it," 

 — to use a common farming expression ; not only is the grass 

 itself more thoroughly organized, but the seed also, which, in 

 well-grown herds-grass, is abundant, contains a large amount of 

 nourishment, being equal, in this respect, to grain of any kind, 

 weight for weight. Experience has taught us that grass cut at 

 this period of its growth, and properly cured, makes hay of the 

 highest quality. Cattle that have been fattened, with the small- 

 est expense for grain, have been fed on such hay. We have 

 seen horses, performing constant service, in good, hard, muscu- 

 lar, working condition, as if supplied with corn, fed on such 

 hay alone. 



We are well aware that much of our grass stands too long, 

 especially on large farms, where a great amount of hay is to 

 be cut. This may render it necessary, in some cases, to com- 

 mence cutting the grass before it is in proper condition. But 

 even in such cases it is not the earliest cut, nor the latest which 



