SECRETARY'S REPORT. 95 



As a fodder plant it has been found not to increase the 

 quantity of milk, milch cows fed upon it having fallen off very 

 decidedly, while they rapidly increased in flesh, and the quality 

 and richness of the milk was found to be improved. This may, 

 therefore, be found to be an objection to its use with some, to 

 whom the quantity is indispensable and the quality of no con- 

 sequence ; but even such may find it desirable to cure and feed 

 out to cows in winter. 



It was raised in Dorchester during the past year from seed 

 raised there the year previous, which is conclusive proof that 

 the seed can be ripened in this latitude so as to germinate, 

 though for all practical purposes it is not material to us whether 

 it will ripen here readily or not, if it is found to do so in the 

 Middle States. 



As already intimated, the results of experiments have been 

 successful, and these experiments will be carefully repeated the 

 coming season. 



A farmer in the State of New York, whose communication 

 appears in the volume of the Patent Office Report on Agricul- 

 ture, for 1855, says : " The proper time for planting, I should 

 say, would be the same as that of early corn, as I find it quite 

 hardy, and stalks of it cut down the end of October made 

 fresh shoots after two rather heavy frosts, and still were good 

 for feed. From twenty-five plants I obtained half a bushel of 

 ripe seed. 



" The mode of cultivation I would recommend, would be to. 

 sow after the ground is well manured and deeply ploughed, in 

 drills four feet apart, the plants two feet asunder in the drills, 

 with not more than one plant in a place, as each sends up from 

 four to six shoots. When the plants are well started, say a 

 foot iu height, turn over the earth on each side with a plough, 

 after which keep them clear of weeds with the hoe. 



" When well cultivated and in good soil, the plant attains from 

 ten to fourteen feet in height and produces excellent fodder 

 from the root to the top. I believe a heavier weight of nutri- 

 tious feed for all kinds of cattle can be procured from it in 

 a given space of ground, than from any other plant, and I think 

 it will prove of great benefit to every section of the country 

 where it is introduced, not only as a green feed during the hot 

 months, but after being cut up and cured like the corn plant, 



