LAND AND HARVESTING FOB HAY 2o 



used. However, when large quantities are applied, 

 the importance of good preparation and fertiliza- 

 tion is more imperative, because with a more 

 complete occupation of the land, there is a 

 greater call for plant-food and moisture. The 

 quantities of seed to be sown will vary with the 

 kind and the mixtures of seed and manures used, 

 matters which are fully discussed in other chapters. 



Harvesting and curing 



Another matter of great consequence in the 

 handling of forage crops, especially if the purpose 

 is to feed them on the farm, is the time of cut- 

 ting. The largest quantity of digestible matter 

 usually is contained in the crop when it is in 

 blossom, although it does not follow that the 

 largest total yield per acre will be secured if 

 cut at that time. In the harvesting of grasses 

 for hay, whether they shall be cut at their best 

 stage for feed depends on whether the purpose 

 is to feed on the farm, or to sell, the markets 

 demanding a more mature forage than is best 

 for the purpose of feeding. The difficulties of 

 harvesting are greater when hay is cut for home 

 use than for the market, as, in the earlier stages 

 of growth, there is a larger proportion of water 

 in the plant, which requires more handling than 

 when nearer ripe. 



