( 85) 



put in order and packed the surface, run a sharp toothed harrow 

 over it to break up the crust, then sow the seed and roll it in. A 

 light harrowing will also do on clayey soils. If its surface is too 

 rocky, stumpy or sloping, to admit a roller, the next best thing is 

 to brush it with a light full brush. If the surface is perfectly 

 smooth before the seeds are sown a light brushing does very well, 

 but if it is not, a roller is preferable, as it will not cover so deeply 

 as a brush. Remember that all seeds covered two inches deep will 

 not germinate. If sown with grain, smooth the ground over with 

 a brush after the grain is sown, and let a hand follow immediately 

 behind and cast the seed into the brush. Never use a heavy thin 

 brush, but if the limbs are full of twigs it will not matter as to 

 weight. Then it will not cover too deeply. 



It may be necessary, and generally is, to roll the land in the 

 spring, especially if the meadow is a stiff clay soil, as the frosts of 

 winter will usually heave up most of the soil, thereby carrying up 

 roots and earth, and unless it is packed in again the succeeding 

 droughts will surely destroy the grass. All these directions are not 

 to be taken as applying to every locality, or situation, for as differ- 

 ence of soil and climate affects the results, so only can experience, 

 controlled by reason, govern the complete details of this, or any 

 other species of planting. 



CUTTING, CURING AND STORING HAY. 



There has been, and still is more differences of opinion among 

 hay farmers, as to the proper time of cutting, than upon any other 

 point connected with hay. There are different times for the differ- 

 ent varieties, but as a rule there should be but one way. The time 

 of flowering is, unquestionably, the general indication for the har- 

 vest to begin. At this time the saccharine juices that go to the 

 formation and development of the seed, are stored in the stalk and 

 leaves, and if saved then, they will lose only their watery constitu- 

 ents, and the grass will be as palatable and succulent as when 

 standing, and will be eaten clean by all kinds of stock. 



Still, some wait until the pollen falls and the seeds are in the 

 milk, and those practicing this plan contend that the hay will not 

 scour the horses so badly. But there is another reason why some 

 defer the cutting to so late a date, and that is, it will not lose so 

 much water, and consequently will be heavier and so bring more 

 money. 



