CONSUMING CROPS— FACTORY METHODS 255 



of the " winter greens " is consumed by the cattle 

 on the land. By this means the carting of crop and 

 manure and the spreading of the latter — except such 

 spreading as can be done with a chain harrow — are 

 dispensed with. 



Many farmers think that eating the crops off the 

 land cannot be done in winter without excessive 

 poaching. Poaching, of course, would result, if the 

 cattle w r ere allowed out all day, but they are only out 

 for a few hours, just to fill themselves with the winter 

 greens, unless in fairly dry periods when they can 

 go out or in at their leisure. On a very wet day they 

 are not allowed out at all, but get an extra supply of 

 silage in lieu of the green fodder. 



If the silage becomes exhausted before the winter 

 season ends, then we cut some of the winter greens 

 and carry them on a very light hay bogey, fitted with 

 wheels^3 ft. high and 6 in. wide. The cutting is done 

 with a mowing machine, with a sheafing attachment, 

 which saves a lot of labour in gathering. 



In winter time these green crops do not wilt, and a 

 two or three day's supply can be cut at one time. 



Although a certain amount of poaching does take 

 place on land containing the large amount of vege- 

 table matter, the result where the Continuous 

 Cropping system is followed, is not naturally such a 

 serious thing as it is on land devoid of this substance. 



Winter dairy oows (which are usually too much 

 coddled) are also allowed out, except in very bitter 

 weather, for an hour or two to graze the winter greens, 

 or to consume some on a convenient pasture to which 

 the greens are carted. 



