294 AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 
can Dairymen’s Association, communicates the unequivocal indorse- 
ment by that body of the value of greeh corn-fodder as a supplementary 
food for milch cows, after a full discussion at the annual convention at 
Utica, in January, 1871, and presents in detail his own views, which are 
in harmony with the decision of the meeting : 
The farmers of Central New York are almost exclusively engaged in making butter or 
cheese. This is carried on with so mach skill that most of the odh made here is sent 
to England, and this article of food has become one of the leading agricultural exports 
from this country. A convention is held in this city in the month of January of each 
year, which is made up of delegates from most of th® Northern States, and some from 
the Southern States and from Canada. It meets to discuss questions relating to the 
interests of dairymen, in all their aspeets. The proper treatment and the best food for 
cows are prominent topics. As this body of six or seven hundred practical, skillful, 
and leading farmers represents the judgment of those engaged in dairying in a great 
section of our Union, I deemed it my duty to lay your letter before it. After a full dis- 
cussion, it was declared by a formal resolution “ that green fodder is a valuable crop, 
and that its use asa summer feed for cows is recommended to the farmers of our 
country.” I look upon this judgment of the American Dairymen’s Association as 
conclusive upon this question. It gives the sum and result of the'largest, longest, and 
most varied experience. It is the result of the greatest number of practical trials by 
practical men, who are not trying to prove theories, but who are striving to support 
themselves and their families by making their tirms profitable. There was a difference 
of opinion as to the best ways of sowing and gathering, and also with regard to the 
kinds of corn which should be used. li is a proof of the value of the crop that it is 
found to be useful whatever pian is followed in raising it. In this section of New York 
I think the farmers usually sow the large western corn. ‘The seed is kept for the pur- 
pose at our seed-stores, and carve is taken to get that which is in good condition. The 
seller usually gives proof of this by putting a given number of kernels in a pot of garth, 
and the buyer can see what proportion has sprouted. Some sow broadcast, while others 
plant in drills. On my farm itis put in breadcast, on well-prepared ground, Three 
bushels of seed are used on an acre. The same ground is used for a series of years. This 
is done because it is thought it takes less manure to keep up the needed bcs: than 
it does to prepare new greund. It also enables one to put the crop on land which is 
conveniently situated. The dense growth of the corn keeps it clear from weeds, and 
leaves the ground reaidly for a new crop. I think when the seed is sown broadcast the 
stalks stand closer and grow more slender than they do when the corn is drilled in. 
It gains in nutritive qualities until] autumn. To save it from early frosts it is some- 
times cnt down with «seythe or a corn-cutter, and suffered to lie upon the ground until 
it isused up. It is not injured by rains or the sun, where it is not exposed more than 
2 week or ten days. In some instances it has been kept in the fields, put up in small 
stacks, until the winter months, but it is difficult to cure it except in small quantities 
when it can be thrown upon hay-mows, in the barn. With us it is most useful when fe 
to cows in August and September, as at that time our pastures are usually short. If 
cows are then put into a convenient field and fed with corn-fodder, there are many ad- 
vantages gained. A change of food after the heat and exhaustion of summer is grate- 
ful to them. It gives new vigor. In the mean time the pastures are usually renewed 
by cooler nights and more moisture, and if they are allowed to gain a flush of feed when 
the cattle are turned back upon them, they have another and healthful change of food. 
By this system the hurtful practice of pasturing meadows in the autumn is avoided. 
The question naturally comes up, why there is a difference of opinion about the value 
of this crop. I think it is owing to the fact that with some it is not the best crop they 
can raise as they are situated, and therefore they condemn it. The question is not if 
it is the best crop for summer feed at all places and under all cireumstances, but is it 
avaluablecrop? Like all ether things, it must be used under favorable circumstances. 
In one place it may be the most profitable and in others the least profitable forage for 
cattle. The same thing is true of root crops, of lucern, of clover, &c.; climate, soil, 
and price of labor must always be taken into account. In the dairy region, where cows 
are milked in summer and autumn, sowed corn can be used at the time when fodder 
is most wanted; that is, when pastures are usually dry. It does not call for extra farm 
labor to plant or to gather. 
Mr. Joseph Harris, of the “Agriculturist” paper and “ Moreton Farm,” 
Rochester, New York, im an address before the American Dairymen’s 
Association, at Utica, in January, 1871, held that it makes compara- 
tively little difference what food is used, provided it is easily digestible 
and contains the requisite amount of nutriment in the desired bulk, and 
thinks the difference of opinion in regard to the value of corn-fodder 
