HAY MAKING IN RAINY COUNTRIES. 319 



of paint before being used ; a light colored paint is 

 best. Canvas stack covers are of use. They de- 

 cay rapidly when left on the stacks for a long time. 

 Steam arises from the stacks and condensing on the 

 canvas covers keeps them constantly moist and 

 warm, favoring decay. 



Use of Hay Caps. — Hay caps of stout cotton cloth 

 or light canvas are very useful. They may be about 

 48" square and should have weights at each corner. 

 A convenient way to make these weights is to make 

 them of balls of moist cement. By putting a hole 

 as large as a cent piece in the corner of the square 

 and squeezing the ball of cement so that it will 

 surround the corner of the fabric and pass through 

 the hole it will become very firmly attached. If the 

 cement is as large as an orange it will do no harm 

 and hold on the covers all the more securely if the 

 wind blows, which it usually does before rain. 

 These weights are far better than cords and pegs 

 which get inextricably tangled in handling covers. 



The objection to the covers is the trouble of using 

 them, gathering them up again and taking care of 

 them. However, where hay is as valuable as it is 

 in the Atlantic states I advise their use by all 

 means. There is one danger; it may lull the user 

 into a feeling of security that will prevent him has- 

 tening as he ought. Thus the new growth may 

 spring up and be turned white beneath the cocks. 

 Hay caps or no hay caps, make it a rule to make hay 

 while the sun shines. 



