381 



of numerous experiments made in Southern states, we find 

 that on an average stripped stalks have yielded 2.9 bushels 

 per acre less than those not stripped. This loss, together with 

 the cost of pulling the blades on an acre, which has been va- 

 riously estimated at from 78 cen^s to $1.69, should be charged 

 against fodder pulling, and the value of the fodder obtained 

 should be credited. In the experiments where the 

 yield of fodder is recorded, the average amount per acre is 

 542 lbs. 



Assuming the prices below, which each reader can change 

 to suit his judgment, we have the following financial state- 

 ment relative to pulling fodder: 



To 2.9 bus. corn at 45c $1.31 



To cost of pulling, tying and 



storing fodder from 1 acre 



(estimated) 1.35 



By 542 lbs. fodder at 60c per 100 lbs. ' 3.25 



Balance in favor of fodder pulling 59 



$3.25 $3.25 

 If values assumed are correct the margin of profit in pul- 

 ling fodder here averages only 59 cents per acre, which is 

 probably insufiicient to cover the single item of risk from 

 bad weather, which sometimes almost completely destroys 

 this forage. Moreover, the yield of fodder obtained in these 

 tests was much above the average, as shown by the fact that 

 in one instance it reached 936 lbs. per acre and by the addi- 

 tional fact that the yield of corn even on the stripped plots 

 averaged nearly 25 bu, per acre, a yield which shows a vigor 

 of growth much above the average of southern corn fields. 

 Probably 350 lbs. of fodder would be a more correct estimate 

 as the amount likely to be obtained on fields yielding 15 

 bushels of corn per acre. This yield would make the finan- 

 cial statement show a direct loss from fodder pulling in ad- 



