TIME TO CUT GRASS. 247 



crop ? Steamed hay is said to be more valuable for animals. 

 Now there is no doubt but what the nearer the hay is to the 

 grass, the more nutritious and valuable for food. It is a com- 

 mon remark, that rowen is the most valuable hay for milch 

 cows ; and why ? Because it is cut when tender, and possesses 

 more of the nutritious qualities. Tiiis seems to be conclusive 

 evidence that the first crop (and on most of the grass land the 

 only one cut with the scythe, or machine,) should not be 

 allowed to stand too long, until it becomes tough, and woody, 

 and looses a great share of its nutritive qualities. It is a com- 

 monly received opinion, and probably a correct one, that the 

 best time to cut grass is when it is in blossom. 



It is evident that all cannot be cut at the most suitable time, 

 so that it becomes the farmer to consider whether the loss by 

 standing too long, will not be greater than by cutting too early. 



I am decidedly of the opinion, that many farmers suffer 

 greatly by letting grass stand too long, until it becomes tough 

 and wiry, and loses most of its nutritive qualities. Economy 

 demands that the work of haying should be commenced in 

 season ; that a suitable amount of help be procured, and the 

 work .pushed forward with energy. With the mowing machine, 

 tedder and horse-rake, the work is carried on with greater 

 ease and rapidity, securing the hay in many instances in 

 much better condition. The hay should be dry enough to keep, 

 but overdrying proves injurious, by lessening the nutritive 

 qualities, and rendering it stiff and wiry. 



Great care and the exercise of judgment need to be brought 

 into requisition in order to secure the crop in the best condi- 

 tion. This cannot always be done on account of the unfavor- 

 able condition of tlie weather, but it should claim our special 

 attention. I have not spoken of the different varieties of grass, 

 or the time and mode of seeding, as these will vary in different 

 localities. But if I have said anything to call attention more 

 particularly to tliis branch of farming, or to quicken the ener- 

 gies of any so that they may cause their lands to produce two 

 blades of grass where but one grew before, I shall be satisfied, 

 and feel that I have contributed my mite to improve the 

 agricultural interests of Massachusetts. 



Newton S. Hubbard. 



