MEADOWS AND PASTURES 35 
order to be able to know at what stage to perform the 
necessary operations. Only the most general rules can 
be laid down. In most cases, as much as_ possible 
of the curing should be done in windrows or cocks. 
After the hay is cocked up there is not so much need 
for haste, unless there is danger of rain. It is good 
FIG. d4—HAYING SCENE 1N NOVA SCOTIA 
policy, however, to get hay in stack or mow as soon 
as it is dry enough not to mould. The color and 
flavor will be the better the less rain and sunshine the 
hay gets after itis cut. By referring to the grades of 
hay in the last chapter, it will be seen that color is a 
leading factor in its classification. Not that color of 
itself is essential, but it is the most important indica- 
tion of the manner in which the curing was done. As 
