424 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



the third day. The length of time that the hay should 

 remain in the cocks will depend chiefly on the weather, 

 but usually it remains thus for two or three days. 

 While in the cocks, it "sweats" more or less which means 

 that it ferments slightly and, as a result, is less liable 

 to ferment excessively in the mow. ISTo time should 

 be lost in storing hay as soon as it is ready. 



This may be determined by taking a wisp of hay 

 from within the heap and twisting it in the hands. 

 If no moisture exudes, the hay is ready to store. An- 

 other method of judging is by the comparative weight 

 of the hay in being handled, which can be easily judged 

 by a skilled hand. Before drawing the hay for storage, 

 it is usual to spread out the cocks, more or less, for ex- 

 posure to the sunlight for a few hours, before drawing 

 them and more especially the parts of the same near- 

 est to the groimd. This should not be done much in 

 advance of the storing, in showery weather. 



Cow peas and soy beans are frequently left longer on 

 the ground, before putting them up in cocks, especially 

 the former, since they cure but slowly. The cocks are 

 made small and narrow in proportion to the height to 

 facilitate drying out. They too are frequently turned 

 over, more or less, before they are drawn, to secure in 

 them quicker and more thorough drying. In some in- 

 stances, they are stacked soon after being cut. The 

 procedure is, in substance, as follows : Poles are plant- 

 ed in the ground to the height of about 9 feet and one 

 foot into the groimd. One pair of strips of wood is 

 fastened to the stack pole at right angles to each other 

 i-iud one foot from the ground. These are laden with 



