Sudan Grass. 13 This method can also be used in making hay in the semiarid regions where such good drying weather prevails that the grass w Till cure in the shock. Where the planting is made in cultivated rows, a corn or row binder can be used, but in most cases a grain binder is preferable.

Sometimes, where the growth is rank, trouble is experienced in getting the reel over the tops of the plants and at the same time cutting a short stubble.

The time for cutting is governed to some extent by the fact that several cuttings are expected in most cases, and this often makes it seem more profitable to cut the first time as early as possible, so that the grass will have more time for the second growth (fig. 8). Experiments have shown, however, that early cutting is not justifiable either from the standpoint of total yield or from that of food value. At the Fort Hays experiment station, Hays, Kans., the average seasonal yield of air-dry hay for the five years 1915 to 1919, inclusive, was as follows : Tons per acre. 1. Cut just before heading 1.86 2. Cut as the first heads appeared 2. 23 3. Cut when in full head 2.15 4. Cut when the seed was in milk — 2.28 In the first stage two cuttings were obtained each year; in the second stage in three out of four years ; and in the third stage in only two of the years. In the fourth stage only one cutting a year w Tas obtained, but the average yield was the largest of the four methods.

The above experiment clearly shows that it is not profitable to cut Sudan grass before it has begun to head. The preferable stage of maturity for cutting is from the time it begins heading until it is fully headed. There is little loss, however, when the grass is allowed to grow until the seed has reached the soft-dough stage, and only one cutting is then required to harvest the crop and obtain a maximum yield of forage.

There are very few hay grasses which are injured so little by standing beyond the proper stage of maturity as Sudan grass. This is due largely to the numerous tillers, which, arising from the base, mature successfully later than the primary stem and provide immature stalks throughout the entire growing season. There is in addition the fact that, like the sorghums, it holds its leaves well and makes the best quality of fodder when the seed has reached the dough stage. This characteristic makes it possible-, where necessary, to extend the haying process over a long period without any material loss either in the quantity or quality of the hay. Such a feature is of great importance to the farmer, since haying is often interfered with by other work or by rains which prevent cutting at the most favorable time.

The scarcity of roughage, the presence of a drought, or the danger of loss from insects may also enter into the decision as to when Sudan grass should be harvested. If feed is scarce or the weather turns dry or grasshoppers become destructive, a good crop of hay can be harvested in 50 to 55 days from the date of seeding; and even though the grass has not then reached the proper stage of maturity for cutting, it should under such conditions be harvested.