ON THE FARM.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15112, 22 December 1921, Page 8

ON THE FARM.

MAKKING HAY. TIME TO CUT. When most of the grasses are in flower, and the fluffy looking structures which botanists call anthers, are protruding from the flower heads. If it's all clover, when it is in full bloom, it can be cut. After it is cut, the rake can follow immediately, if the weather is hot and dry, and put it into windrows. It's as well to say right now, as the Yankee puts it, the less tossing and turning the stuff gets the better. The swathe-turner, a machine for turning the stuff over to help "to make the hay," is gentle in action, and does good work. It has been used in the Cambridge district, and can be confidently recommended. If rain threatens, put it into cocks. Build high, so as; to turn off the showers. It will be ready to cart in when nc moisture is squeezed out after a handful- is taken from a cock and twisted tightly. This is a good rough-and-ready guide. STACKING. As stated above, if the necessary attention and preparation have, been given to the stack, all will go well. Now that rushes are fast becoming scarce in settled districts, owing to the progress of better drainage, rye corn is specially grown for thatching. An improvement on the Dutch cap has been made by a man at Te Awamutu. Mr C. T. Ricket is a Te Awamutu business man, and runs a farm as well. He has constructed a very useful cover, which is really an improved modification of the old Dutch cap. 'When the anxiety and rush of the hay harvest is over, it is a pleasing .and satisfying sight to see a few good stacks adorning the farm, and providing a safe insurance for the winter and early spring. It is one sign among others, that points to a farm managed on good, sound lines.