MOWING. 



145 



the grass ; for it is well known that an inch of grass 

 near the ground adds more to the weight of the hay than 

 several inches higher up. Thus the farmer is a serious 

 loser if he does not secure the best of mowers, and if he 

 does not also keep an eye on their implements, and 

 ascertain that they are of the right form and well 

 whetted. Bad management in the hay-field has been a 

 source of great loss and waste year after year, but in this 

 respect, as in many others, improved methods and 

 greater care are beginning to prevail on all sides. 



WHETTING TUE SCYTHE. 



The mowers having commenced their work at a very 

 early hour, the grass then cut is fit to-be shaken up with 

 the forks or tedded during the same morning. If left 

 to the next day, as is sometimes the case, the upper 

 surface becomes brown and withered, and the hay has 

 lost some of its essential juices, as well as its beauty of 

 L 



