LAND AND HARVESTING FOR HAY 25 
used. However, when large quantities are applied, 
the importance of good preparation and fertiliza- 
tion is more imperative, because with a more 
complete occupation of the land, there is a 
greater call for plant-food and moisture. The 
quantities of seed to be sown will vary with the 
kind and the mixtures of seed and manures used, 
matters which are fully discussed in other chapters. 
Harvesting and curing 
Another matter of great consequence in the 
handling of forage crops, especially if the purpose 
is to feed them on the farm, is the time of cut- 
ting. The largest quantity of digestible matter 
usually is contained in the crop when it is in 
blossom, although it does not follow that the 
largest total yield per acre will be secured if 
cut at that time. In the harvesting of grasses 
for hay, whether they shall be cut at their best 
stage for feed depends on whether the purpose 
is to feed on the farm, or to sell, the markets 
demanding a more mature forage than is best 
for the purpose of feeding. The difficulties of 
harvesting are greater when hay is cut for home 
use than for the market, as, in the earlier stages 
of growth, there is a larger proportion of water 
in the plant, which requires more handling than 
when hearer ripe. 
