CORN. 55 



the fodder, and a field of investigation is opened the extent 

 of which affords ample opportunity for difference of opinion. 



In considering the stover or fodder, the general impression 

 ever has been that it possesses no inconsider^ible value for the 

 purposes of increasing the flow of milk among dairy cows, and 

 although Dr. Loring has expressed the opinion that corn fodder 

 possessed little value or was worthless, farmers still continue 

 not only to preserve that from which they take their corn, but 

 also to raise it in no small quantities for soiling and fodder 

 purposes. In fact, the impressions are so favorable towards 

 this product that its growth has been very much increased 

 within the past few years, in which, in consequence of the 

 somewhat severe drouth, it has exercised a very important 

 office, iii not only relieving the pasturage in which the herbage 

 was scanty, but also the limited mow of hay. It is a matter 

 of surprise that any person should venture the assertion that 

 corn fodder is worthless, since it is sufficiently establislied 

 that the corn plant, like all other vegetable structures, has 

 but one object or aim in its growth, which is the produc- 

 tion of seed. And the stalk, to effijct this end must contain 

 starch, gum, sugar, and woody fibre, the former of which are 

 nutrient principles. If, however, the stalk be cut before a 

 sufficient time has elapsed for the elaboration of any of the 

 nutrient principles, then its actual value is diminished in pro- 

 portion as these principles are wanting; but if allowed to con- 

 tinue its growth, whenever a sufficient amount is stored away, 

 and the grain formed, the end of its existence is accomplished, 

 and the plant dies, even though no frost has assailed it. 



Of the grain itself it may be said, that it is the great feed- 

 ing crop of this nation. The great and increasing demand 

 for it is in itself an argument as to its value ; and though in 

 New England it is gradually giving way to other crops, it is 

 not because it is not highly esteemed, but because upon this 

 rugged soil other crops more profitable can be grown, with the 

 avails of which, the corn that is transported from the south 

 and west is more easily purchased than raised; so that, while 

 only a quarter of a century ago the established farmers had an 

 abundance of corn for their own use in the affairs of their 



