PRESERVATION OF FORAGE 23 



The fifth criterion would apparently, from a theoretical 

 consideration, be the most satisfactory basis to use. In 

 grasses the percentage of digestibility varies but slightly 

 from full bloom till when the seeds are nearly ripe, but in 

 clovers it begins to fall off even before blooming. From 

 this, it would appear that grasses may be cut at any time 

 from full bloom until nearly ripe, excepting where the 

 stems become decidedly woody ; while perennial legumes 

 should be cut not later than full bloom. 



18. Haymaking in dry weather. Under favorable 

 climatic conditions, haymaking is a simple process. The 

 curing will then often take place in the windrows into 

 which it is raked when well wilted, so that it can be 

 stacked or housed the day following without further 

 handling, though it is usually desirable to turn the wind- 

 rows an hour or more before loading. This method is 

 often pursued in dry climates. The only objection to this 

 system is that more bleaching from the sun takes place 

 than if the hay is put into cocks or shocks as soon as dry 

 enough. With such rapid curing, however, the bleaching 

 is not sufficient to justify the additional labor required 

 in cocking. Some loss, however, will result, especially 

 in legumes, from .the leaves becoming too dry and brittle 

 so that they break off in subsequent handling. 



Even with perfect haying weather, the best hay is 

 secured by raking into windrows as soon as well wilted, 

 and afterwards piling into small cocks before any of the 

 leaves become brittle. At this stage the leaves are drier 

 than the stems, but in the cocks this is partly equalized 

 by the leaves absorbing moisture from the stems. When 

 thus cured, there is less bleaching from the sun, or sun 

 and dew combined, few leaves are lost by becoming 

 brittle and a higher degree of aroma is engendered. By 



