406 - (QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. {1 Dzc., 1898. 
The two extremes would seem to lie between cutting “ green” and cutting 
rotten ripe when the heads bend down and the crop becomes goose-necked. In 
seeking for a via media, or middle course, in order to secure the best result 
we must remember that there must be a time at which the wheat crop ought to 
be secured, and that even a day before or behind this period may be injurious 
to the interests of the grower. What, then, is the best time to cut wheat? If 
this question could be answered satisfactorily, it is still doubtful whether the 
information could be acted upon, asin farming we must do the best that we can, 
and be prepared in many instances to be doing what we know to bewrong. I 
we could control time and balance arrangements so as to cut our wheat in the 
nick of time, what ought to be its condition? ‘To this inquiry some farmers 
would reply, Do not mind how green the straw is as long as the grain is firm, 
that is, about the consistency of cheese. Others would say, as soon as the 
grain ceases to be milky and becomes like curd it may be, and ought to be, 
cut. For my own part, I think itis easy to cut wheat too soon, and that 
many samples are ruined by too early severance. The movement in favour of 
early cutting has, in fact, been pushed to an extreme, and it would be well to 
consider a few of the reasons which are usually given in defence of the system. 
INCIDENTAL ADVANTAGES 
No doubt it is an advantage to clear a stubble early. This is a considera- 
tion entirely independent of the question of the quality and quantity of the 
crop. It is true that stubbles are useful for grazing, or may be broken up for 
late turnips, or prepared for catch crops all the sooner and all the better if the 
corn crop is cut and carried early. So far so good, but the advantage may be 
purchased too dear. 
It may also be urged that early cutting diminishes risks from wind and 
rain, especially the latter, in exposed situations. It is annoying to see corn 
blow out, threshed by the storm, but thisagain is a risk that may be avoided at 
too great an expense. The actual time for cutting corn should not be regulated 
by such considerations, which indeed cut at the very root of corn cultivation. 
The crops must be allowed to mature, and the proper time to cut wheat is no 
doubt when it is ripe. 
ACTUAL ADVANTAGES CLAIMED. 
It is claimed in favour of early cutting that both grain and straw are of 
better quality, that the yield is as large, that the bushel is heavier, and that 
the sample is brighter and stronger. This is true in contradistinction to late 
cutting; but we are still left in doubt as to when exactly to put in the sickle. 
First, I would point out an inconsistency with regard to the quality of the 
straw being better as fodder. If, as we are taught, the process of ripening 
consists or is accompanied with a gradual transference of nutrient materials from 
the entire plant to the ear, it must be important to allow full time for the 
process to be completed. The transference must presumably be from the 
entire plant, roots, stem, and leaves, and severance rust be a rude shake to the 
process. Corn will ripen in stook, but why should it ripen in stook better 
than on its feet? it appears highly improbable that a process which is alleged 
to take place in the stook should do so there better than in the natural position. 
Before cutting, the sap must move more continuously than after cutting; and 
therefore the early cutting must tend to check the full development of the 
grain. It the straw is really more nutrient when cut green, it must be at the 
expense of the grain which has manifestly not obtained all that it could have 
taken from the straw. The argument that the straw is more nutritious when 
cut green really appears capable of being used as a yery good reason for not 
doing so. 
If we turn to the grain, it is alleged that early cutting gives a heavier and 
better sample, and an equal yield per acre. This, however, must be tru. or 
false, according to the period selected for cutting. 1t is true if contrasted with 
