1772 



FORAGE CROPS, MEADOWS AND PASTURES 



The jaelds given above are those of the first cutting only, as the second 

 cutting was made after the alfalfa had seeded. The differences are too 

 small to allow definite conclusions to be drawn as to the relative value of 

 the three strains. Sometimes, however, Turkestan seed is imfavourably 

 regarded on some of the Eastern markets, while the others meet with 

 approval. 



Strains of Medicago falcata were tested at Brooking from 1910-1915, 

 with the results shown in the following table : 



strain 



These ^delds of hay were obtained from one cutting ; usually Medicago 

 falcata can only be cut once in a season, and consequently it does not give 

 such good crops as strains of Medicago sativa, which alwa5^s produce a second 

 and even a third cutting. 



The paper under discussion gives a ver}' detailed history of the intro- 

 duction of different kinds of alfalfa into South Dakota, with a full descrip- 

 tion of the various strains of M. sativa and M. falcata. Numerous strains 

 of alfalfa seem to be natural hybrids between the two species, and on this 

 assumption they have been named Medicago media. The strains of M. 

 media, M. nithenica and M. plaiycarfm which have been introduced into 

 South Dakota are described. 



1279 - Silage from Green Forage in Java. — Shimmel e., in rcysmannia, Year xxvi, 



No. II. Batavia, 191 5. 



In many parts of Java there is a dearth of green forage during the dry 

 season (east monsoon) and consequently the feeding of the livestock is 

 often very defective. 



Attempts have been made in the Buitenzorg Gardens to make silage 

 from a Bengal grass {Panicum maximum) which is often grown in Java. 

 The silos consisted of holes dug in well drained soil, and were 3 feet deep 

 and 6 feet acioss. Each was filled with 2860 lbs. fresh grass in full flower, 

 about three months old, care being taken to slightly raise the centre of the 

 heap so that the rain should run off quickly. When the silos were three 

 parts full they were coveied with large stones and then with a layer of 

 earth i6 inches thick to prevent any penetration of air. They were opened 

 three months later and then contained acid silage of high quality which 

 was much appreciated by the animals. 



It was found that 50 per cent of the fresh grass was converted into 

 useful silage after making allowance for loss of water and for the grass 



