7 6 



HARVESTING CROPS 



harvested, and the heads would shatter and allow 

 the grain to fall to the ground. Now, with the har- 

 vester or self-binder a very large crop can be harvested 

 in three or four days. 



The stems and leaves are the most valuable parts 

 of plants grown for hay ; and if a crop is allowed to go 



HAY STACKER 



to seed, the leaves become too dry and the stems too 

 hard and woody to make good hay. Most hay grasses 

 and clovers are therefore harvested when they come 

 into bloom. Alfalfa has the most nutrition in the 

 stems and leaves when the buds are first formed, and 

 before they get into full bloom. Thus hay making 

 must be done in the few days when the crop is at the 

 proper stage for making good forage ; and the use of 



