BUSINESS OF THE HAY-FIELD. 143 



retain their several virtues and properties to an amount 

 which has been found nearly double that which they 

 possess when their growth is completed, and when they 

 are verging towards decay. The grasses contain a 

 sugary secretion, most abundant at their joints ; but this 

 secretion lessens as the seed ripens, and the nutritive 

 qualities of the plant appear to decrease in the same 

 proportion. There are, however, different opinions on 

 this subject. Some farmers maintain that the hay is 

 more nourishing when the seeds are ripe, and in con- 

 sequence they defer their hay-harvest until late in the 

 season. Others find serious objections to this practice, 

 and say that by allowing the seed to ripen the plant is 

 weakened, the soil is exhausted, and the after-grass often 

 rendered deficient. 



The business of the hay-field, when once entered on, 

 is carried forward with the utmost activity. The farmer 

 is well aware of the importance of urging on the work 

 while the weather is favourable, and he may therefore be 

 seen personally directing the labours of his work-people ; 

 while the servants themselves, if they bring a right mind 

 to the task, are working heartily and earnestly, with 

 a determination to " make hay while the sun shines." 

 First, the mowers set out at early dawn, when the dew 

 is thick upon the grass. In beginning to cut the clover 

 or grass of a field, they first notice which way the crop 

 leans, or which way it is carried by the wind at that 

 particular time, for they know that in cutting it down 

 the work will not be so well or conveniently done, unless 

 the grass lean away from the mower. They also know 

 that they can make better work by mowing across the 

 ridges. These things being settled, and the scythes in 

 good condition, they begin to sweep down the grass at 

 regular distances and in regular order, keeping one a 

 little a-head of the other, and bringing a swathe over 

 towards the left. The small projecting handles fixed 

 to the principal handle of the scythe, are capable of 

 being moved up or down, so as to suit the height or 



