266 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
The hay here, like all California hay, consists of oats cut 
while the straw is green. About one hundred tons have been 
harvested during the present year, and this quantity has been 
grown on fifty acres. 
Growing the Hay Crop. —Mr. Nichols says he begins to plow 
for the oat crop in November, sowing in December at the rate 
of one hundred and fifty pounds of seed to the acre. The 
crop is cut with mowing machines just before the oats have 
ripened, and as no rains fall during harvest time, the curing of 
the crop is accomplished in the most perfect manner. Upon 
this rancho they commence feeding stock in August and up to 
November, or until the rains begin to fall and fresh grass is 
started. The feeding in August is only occasional, and de¬ 
pends'altogether upon the weather. If the weather is windy, 
so that stock cannot feed in comfort on the hills, an allowance 
of oat hay is given ; but in mild weather, when the animals 
can get about over the range, no extra food is given. Beets are 
also raised here in considerable quantities for cattle food. They 
are cut up, roots and tops together, and each cow in milk gets 
a pail full per day. Stock run out over the rancho all winter, 
and during some seasons no extra food is required. 
Cows commence dropping their calves in December, and 
continue till March, at which time it is desired that they should 
all be in mdk. 
Usually it takes the labor of four men to care for the stuck 
on this rancho. 
Here, as upon other ranchos, the “ bunch grass,” or gramma, 
is depended upon for pasturage. It grows with great vieor at 
all seasons, when there is sufficient moisture. It is enduring, 
and cattle prefer it to any other grass, thriving upon it, whether 
it be green, or crisp and brown, during dry weather. 
The sour milk and buttermilk go to the hogs, a considera¬ 
ble number of which are thus fattened for market. They are 
sold on foot when ready for market, and bring from six to eight 
cents per pound.. 
