FAKMEES' INSTITUTES. " 64:Y 



Or $2 per acre. Only $20 more for entire cost of shredding tlian we would 

 have paid for the use of a machine in hiring the work done. Then we have 

 $3 per ton for corn stover in tlie mow and corn put in the crib free of 

 charge. As before, I count nothing for the team as all these teams would 

 have been to wagons in husking, thus earning nothing. I consider this 

 feed worth $6 per ton, leaving us a profit of $240, counting one ton per 

 acre and nothing for putting our corn in the crib. 



Where corn is bound two wagons are all that are needed to haul the 

 corn to our machine. Where cut by hand three are needed; also one man 

 in field to hand up fodder in either case. One man to haul water and the 

 husked corn and two men with machine, making six men for bound and 

 seven for loose fodder. 



Many have asked me if we had not better have bought a larger 

 machine. I say no. In 23% days Avork we shredded nearly 200 acres of 

 corn, averaging at least 8 acres per day or 200 shocks, 12 hills square. 

 This is sufficient speed for most farmers in this country. We also thinlv 

 it the most economical speed for many reasons suggested in this paper. 



I think the cheapest power is the "tread," an old-fashioned power, 

 but one coming much in favor. A sweep power takes too many horses 

 and steam and gasoline are too expensive for work required. A three- 

 horse tread costing .$125 is suSicient power for our maciiine. This year's 

 run, had we used this power, would have saved us enough to make a two- 

 thirds payment on the same. 



Taking all in all we are prepared for the winter. We are short on corn, 

 but this is fully made up with barns full of nice, bright corn stover. When 

 spi-ing comes we expect our stock to go on the grass in good flesh, thereby 

 saving us many dollars which otherwise would have been lost. 



SORGHUM AS A lORAGE CROP. 



C. C. DAWSON, GRANDVIEW, IND. 



[Read before Spencer County Farmers' Institute.] 



The growth of sorghum was introduced in the United States about 

 forty-five years ago, from seed obtained in China. Since then its cultiva- 

 tion has spread to all parts of the country. Yet I am persuaded to believe 

 that sorghum as a forage plant is not fully understood or appreciated by 

 the gi-eat bulk of farmers of this countrJ^ Its value as a forage plant 

 can not be overestimated. It comes in just right for soiling purposes. 

 Nothing will beat it to cut and tlirow over in the pasture or feed-lot 

 during the usually dry months of August and September. It makes an 

 excellent supplement to the dry pastures of this season of the year, 



