Nov. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 923 



Where conditions are favourable for the growth of cowpeas, they may be 

 sown with maize or sorghum, or in separate ai'eas, and the respective crops 

 mixed when stacking or pitting. 



Lucerne, also, may be profitably harvested from the area devoted to its 

 separate culture, and mixed with any crop with which the growing period 

 corresponds. 



For feeding cattle the quantity of silage to be used will vary with the age 

 and size of the animals, and the quantity of natural pasture which is 

 available. 



The nutrient value of the fodder will naturally vary with the crops com- 

 posing the silage, but in most cases it will be found desirable to add to the 

 ration some grain, oilcake, or bran. The silage ration will range from 15 to 

 4.5 lb. per day, according to the conditions described and the purpose for 

 which the stock are fed. For sheep, the allowance should be 3 or 4 lb. per 

 head, with about 4 oz. of grain per day where improved condition is sought. 



Where it is desired to conserve fodder in pits in the drier districts, it will 

 be found that the cost of excavation is very moderate, amounting to about 

 j£5 for a 100-ton pit. Two of the sides should be vertical, and well trimmed, 

 the other two having batters of 1 to 2, or 1 to 3, so as to admit of working 

 the plough and scoop during the excavation of the pit, and for convenience in 

 filling it with fodder after completion. 



In filling the pit, the instructions for stacking should be carefully followed, 

 but the compression of the material and the exclusion of air will be found 

 much easier than is the case in stack building. 



The work of consolidation will be greatly assisted by the passage over it of 

 the teams conveying the fodder, which should be driven in at one end and 

 out at the other. In large pits a horse and rider will do good work in 

 trampling the fodder after it has been spread. 



The material may be extended a fair distance outwards along the deeper 

 parts of the batters, and, if necessary, carried above ground as a stack to 

 such a height as may be convenient. When extended far above the surface, 

 pressure will be necessary to consolidate the upper portion ; but if the 

 excavation only be filled, covering with the earth which has been removed 

 from it will exert sufficient pressure, while at the same time it will prevent 

 the access of air. 



The durability of silage conserved in dry pits should exceed that of stack 

 silage, as the outsides are not subject to the action of air or rainfall. 



On the Wagga Wagga Experiment Farm the cost of silage has ranged 

 from 2s. 9d. per ton for natural herbage to 6s. for cultivated crops. 



