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. 
