148 HAYMAKING. 



the most proper condition for being cut down, as at that 

 period it must contain the largest proportion oi" nutri- 

 tious materials, but which then begin to be absorbed, 

 and taken up in proportion as the flowers expand, and 

 the seeds ripen. But there are other circumstances, 

 besides those of ripeness, to be attended to in determin- 

 ing the period of cutting crops of gras-^, as in some cases, 

 ■when they are thick upon the ground, the ]>ottom parts 

 become of a yellow colour before the flowering fully 

 takes place ; or in moist meadows when very tall it is 

 liable to fall down and lodge; under such circumstances 

 it will always be the most advisable practice to mow as 

 soon as the weather will possi!)ly admit ; for if this be 

 neglected, it will rot, or acquire a disagreeable flavour, 

 and Lecome of little value. It should be remembered 

 also, that the soil is much less exhausted if the grass is 

 cut before the seed forms. If a meadow is to be mowed 

 twice in a season, the first crop ought to be cut earlier 

 than where mowed but once, in order that the roots 

 may recover immediately and be ready for vegetation 

 afresh. 



Where mowing grounds have a smooth surface, care 

 must be taken to cut the grass as close and evenly as 

 po?siI>le. Grass will not thrive well that is not mown 

 quite close ; and the loss in the crop where this is not done 

 is very considerable, as one inch ai the bottoimreighs more 

 than several at the top. But in cutting rowcn or second 

 crops of grass, more attention in these diflerent respects 

 will be necessary, as the crops are more dilficult to cut. 

 They should always be cut as much as possible when 

 the dew is upon them ; and as soon as there is a tolera- 

 ble growth, as by waiting the season is getting more un- 

 favourable for making them into hay ; and vvhen not 

 well made this hay is of little value. It requires u much 

 longer time to dry than the flrst crop. 



For haymaking, it is essential to have dry weather ; 

 and the prospect ibr this ought always to be an object 

 of attention. It has been found by actutil observations 

 for a number of years, that on an average, more rain 

 falls in Slimmer al\er the 15th or 20th of July, than be- 

 fore. Farmers \v\\\ do well, therefore, to improve as 

 much as possible the forepart of the season in ha}'- 

 making. It is a fact not generally known, though made 



