170 



Averaging these results we obtain the figures in the subjoined table, where also 

 are to be found the yield per acre, and the amount of diy matter in one ton of the 

 fodder and the weight produced per acre at different periods in the life of the corn 

 plant. 



Composition, Yield per acre and Dry Matter per ton and per acre, 1891. 

 (Average of four varieties of Fodder Corn.) 



Stage of Growth. 



Tasselliiig . 

 Silking . . . . 

 Early milk 

 Late milk . . 

 Glazing. . . 



Percentage 



of 



Water. 



a5-73 

 83 83 

 SO 05 

 77 -80 

 73-82 



Percentage 



of 

 Dry Matter. 



14-27 

 16-17 

 19-95 

 22-14 

 26-18 



YieW per 

 Acre. 



Tons. lbs. 

 22 ],329 

 24 52 



22 1,806 

 21 759 

 21 1,154 



Dry Mattbb. 



Per Ton. 



Lbs. 

 285 

 323 

 399 

 443 

 524 



Per Acre. 



Tons. lbs. 

 3 468 



3 1,770 



4 1,138 



4 1,467 



5 1,298 



An examination of these figures shows most clearly the great gain to be ob- 

 tained in nutritive value by allowing the corn plant to grow till the kernel glazes 

 before cutting, whether it be intended for the silo or for preservation in the dry con- 

 dition. In these experiments the increase of food material in the corn between 

 tasselling and glazing amounted to about 75 per cent. 



The value of this crop for producing cheaply a large quantity of palatable food 

 has now become widely recognized. Sweet ensilage is now acknowledged as a valu- 

 able ingredient in the ration of cattle, both for milk and flesh production. The con- 

 venience in having a large supply of coarse fodder in a small compass renders 

 the silo exceedingly useful to the farmer, stock-raiser and dairyman. By its means, 

 food may be preserved in a succulent condition for use during the winter months. 



The following suggestions, based on the results of the experiments of the last 

 three seasons, are offered to those growing this valuable fodder crop : — 



1. The tillage of the soil should be as thorough as possible, in order to allow 

 the roots to freely penetrate the soil. The ploughing should be well done. The 

 corn plant is one that readily responds to a rich soil. It will, therefore, be good prac- 

 tice to have it in a good mechanical condition and to give it a liberal application of 

 manure. 



2. Plant in drills or in hills. Sowing broadcast should be abandoned, as a great 

 loss of cattle food per acre ensues from this course. The drills should never be less 

 than three feet apart, and with most varieties as large a yield will be obtained if the 

 distance be three and a-half feet. This plant requires plenty of room to properly 

 develop and mature. It is mistaken economy to sow too thickly; 18 lbs. to 20 lbs. 

 of seed per acre will give the best results. Essentials for rapid and generous growth 

 are sunlight and air. When the rows are too close or too thickly seeded the plants 

 are stunted and undeveloped, and the crop is not as suitable for preservation. It 

 should be remembered that it is by the agency of sunlight that the leaves are able 

 to appropriate the carbonic acid of the air — the source of all the carbonaceous food 

 material formed in the plant. 



3. Only varieties should be sown that yield a heavy crop and come to the 

 glazing condition of growth before there is danger of damage by frost. Pearce's 



