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. 4 — HAYING SCENE IN 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 it is cut. By referring to the grades of 

 hay in the last chapter, it will be seen that color is a 

 leading fadlor 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 



