624 



Journal of Agriculture. 



Oct., 1907. 



Attention was thus directed to their utilization and an opportunity 

 occurred of making a practical test. At Mr. Justice Hodges' farm, at 

 Carrum on drained land still growing reeds in profusion, a silo was 

 erected and filled with the reeds. A considerable growth of grass was 

 cut with the reeds, the lower portions of which for about 12 inches in 

 height were very hard and dry. Separate samples were taken and 

 analyzed with the following results : — 



Moisture 

 or Water. 



Pkr Crnt. 



Ash or 

 Mineral. 



Ether 

 Extract 

 or Fat. 



Carbo-Hydrates. 



Nitrog-f-n 

 I'rotein. Crude fibre. Free Extract. 



Mi.xed grass and 

 reeds as filled 



Lower portion of 



reed stalks 

 Upper portion ... 

 Reed silage 



53-4 



41.0 



56.7 

 40. S 



4.9 



6.4 

 6.1 



3-^ 



4.2 



4-3 

 4-1 



15.0 



21.6 

 10.9 

 20.8 



21.6 



32.2 

 20.7 

 25.0 



The last line gives the resulting silage sampled some time after filling. 



It will be seen that the Carrum reeds give even more favorable figures 

 than the Upper Yarra ones though this is no doubt largely due to difference 

 in the season at time of cutting. As to the actual value in feeding, let 

 the manager's report speak for itself. Here it is : 



" I filled in about 60 tons of reeds, and commenced to eat back at once. 

 The cows eat the silage readily and milk better than when fed on bran and chaff. 

 I fed about two-thirds silage to one-third of chaff, mixed together and well 

 steamed. There was no waste until I got near the bottom, when I lost about 

 6 inches round the side ; but I think I can overcome that in next filling by closing 

 up all joints with carbon paint to entirely exclude the air. I am thoroughly con- 

 vinced that for a cheap and nutritious food, you cannot beat the reeds growing in 

 this district. I intend to fill the silo to its fullest extent. Others have seen the 

 advantage of it, as the results have been watched closely. I am more than 

 pleased, and intend to go on with plenty of reeds and maize silage for a winter 

 food." 



Reeds mav be kept growing in partially reclaimed land by ploughing 

 or cultivating after cutting. Without that, continued cutting or grazing 

 will eventuallv kill them out. 



