122 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



shows that in Massachusetts in 1900 hay and forage consti- 

 tuted 77 per cent of the total amount of crops raised. This 

 same census shows that in that year there were 4,065 acres 

 of clover, yielding 5,604 tons, or 1.13 tons per acre ; it is also 

 shown that there were 96 acres of alfalfa grown, yielding 102 

 tons, or 1.06 tons per acre. The statistics of last year show 

 that the average yield of hay and forage crops was 1.33 tons, 

 with a value of $20.24 per acre. It should be noticed that 

 these figures include other very heavy-yielding crops, such 

 as the millets, and no doubt corn cut and fed green. To a 

 shreAvd business man — for such the farmer of the future 

 must be — it will at once be. evident that the above-named 

 figures are not large enough to make profitable work, after 

 cost of labor, seed, rent of land, fertilizers and interest on 

 the investment are taken out. The remedj" is obvious, — it 

 lies in increased production. 



In riding across your State during the haying season last 

 summer I found a condition not unlike that existing in Maine, 

 — field after field yielding apparently not more than % or at 

 the most 1 ton of hay to the acre, and that of a poor quality. 

 In most cases the most conspicuous plants were daisies, but- 

 tercups and other noxious weeds. Of course hay of this 

 quality is not good feed, and will not bring top prices when 

 placed on the market. These conditions may be overcome, 

 and grass instead of Aveeds may be grown if a little care is 

 exercised and the plants are given conditions best suited to 

 their growth. Success with any crop depends on giving 

 a plant this chance, and in working with nature and not 

 against her laws, as is so often done. 



In our work we give attention to the following things : — 



1. Proper preparation of the land. 



2. A systematic rotation of crops. 



3. Careful selection of kind and quality of seed. 



4. Overcoming acidity and sourness in the land. 



5. Careful use of manures and fertilizers. 



6. Cutting at proper time and careful curing. 



