Will You Feed Hay or Wood.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1655, 2 January 1885, Page 2

Will You Feed Hay or Wood.

A great deal has been said and written about the proper time of cutting hay. Prof. Jordan discusses the subject from an experimental and scientific point. The outcome of the discussion and experiments seems to be that the best time, all things considered, is to cut the grass just after it has come into full bloom, though many think the preferable time is just when it is coming into full blossom. As it is impossible to always mow every field juot at the right moment, the general safe rule is, wo think, to be all ready to begin at full bloom, and finish before it is entirely past.

There is this important fact to be kept in mind, viz., that as soon as grass of any kind has attained its growth, and is fall ot juices, it begins to change more and m >re into woody fiber, and that when fully ripe, a largo part of the stems or stalks differ very little in composition from dry wood. ___ And every one knows that dry wood is neither easily digested nor nutritious. It stands to reason that a stalk of grass cut when it is full of juice con- "r taining sugar, gum, and protein compounds, and cured thus, must be more nutritious than if left standing until a part of these constituents have changed into woody fiber. Feeding hay not cut until it is thoroughly ripe, is giving the animals that which is in part ouly so much wood.—The practical lesson is, make a good ready in advance, now, and have the bams mows, stacking arrangements, mowers, scythes, horse and other rakes, fords, wagon 'racks, in short, all things in perfect order—and the work planned, so as not to let any hayfield get into the fully ripe condition. Head work beforehand, will save bard work and worry, and secure better hay.—American Agriculturalist.