RED TOP. 161 



of much moment, since with them blue grass and tim- 

 othy are not so valuable relatively, nor are they so en- 

 during as in the north. In southern pastures, red top 

 will endure where eventually both timothy and blue 

 grass will fail. Because of this property, red top 

 should be given much prominence in the permanent pas- 

 tures of the south. 



Harvesting for Hay. Before the general introduc- 

 tion of timothy, red top was a principal reliance for hay. 

 In the southern states, it is still one of the principal hay 

 crops, or at least one of the chief factors in the same. 

 In the North, it is seldom sown for hay except in mix- 

 tures. While some farmers claim that it is superior to 

 timothy for hay, timothy is usually, and doubtless with 

 good reason, considered superior as a hay plant. It 

 weighs more heavily in proportion to the bulk, and in 

 the North especially, larger average crops can be ob- 

 tained. But red top has the advantage of having small- 

 er and softer stems. 



It is ready for being cut when in fullest bloom, or 

 at a period somewhat later, especially when it is to be 

 fed to horses. If allowed to stand too long, the palata- 

 bility will be lessened. It is cut, of course, with the 

 field mower. It is more easily cured than many kinds 

 of grass. If mown in the afternoon and tedded the 

 next morning once or twice, it may then be raked and 

 put into cocks. After standing a day or two it is ready 

 for being stored. In good weather the curing process 

 may be completed in the winrow, which has the advan- 

 tage of making it possible to lift it with the hay tedder. 

 When cut toward the period of full maturity, it is pos- 

 Grasses 11. 



