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cock. This refers to the true grasses, for almost every one who 

 makes hay of the clover pursues one plan, which will be spoken of 

 directly. This difference in the plans of curing results chiefly from 

 the great difference there is in the curing quality of the various 

 grasses. Timothy cures much easier and quicker than Herd's 

 grass, while the coarser grasses, such as Gama, Egyptian and others, 

 require still longer time than Herd's grass. Formerly, it was the 

 universal custom to allow it to lie until it was almost dry before 

 raking, but that custom is fast giving place to a more rapid method. 

 Now, with many of our best farmers, it is deemed sufficient to 

 allow it to remain on the ground after cutting a time only long 

 enough for it to become wilted, and then with a rake it is put into 

 windrows. Hands follow immediately with hand rakes or pitch- 

 forks, and throw it up into cocks. Some do not even cock it, but, 

 if the weather is favorable, allow it to remain in the windrow for a 

 day, or the second evening after cutting, and then gather it up in 

 wagons and carry to the rick or barn. But probably the surest 

 plan is to put it into cocks the evening after it is cut in the morn- 

 ing, and allow it to remain in this state for two or three days, ac- 

 cording as the promise of good weather may be, then throw open 

 the cocks and spread the hay, before hauling up. It can be easily 

 determined at this stage whether or not it is sufficiently cured. If, 

 when examined, the cocks have become heated, by opening them 

 out the heat that has been generated will readily become dissipated, 

 and there is not much likelihood of its becoming again heated. 

 One fact is well ascertained, and that is, the sooner it goes into the 

 rick or barn after cutting, without spoiling, the better will be the 

 hay, and the more will it be relished by stock. 



Some farmers adopt the plan of arresting its disposition to heat 

 by sprinkling salt upon it as it is stored. This is a good plan, and 

 increases the fondness of stock for it if too much is not applied. 

 One hand should apply the salt as it is thrown in, at the rate of 

 about two quarts to the two- horse wagon load. 



Should the farmer not wish to sell his hay, and is scarce of a sup- 

 ply, he can increase the quantity of provender by mixing, as it is 

 put into the heap, a third or even a half of straw, or inferior hay, 

 that has been left over, and in the curing process which takes place 

 the juices of the new hay will penetrate and sweeten the straw, 



