130 AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



There are various modifications of this process, but all on the 

 same principle. The com thus stands, until the leaves, stalks, 

 and ears are dry ; in the north, till after the first strong frost, 

 the effect of which is to expel the remaining water. 



Then the bundles are opened, and the ears of each stalk 

 separated from the husk, thrown into baskets, and removed by 

 \vagon to the corn crib. The workman holds in his hand a 

 short, sharp, piece of wood, generally attached by a string to 

 the wrist, to facilitate the opening of the husk. The husks 

 should remain attached to the stalk ; and not be torn off as is 

 too often done. The stalks are then again tied up, and left in 

 the field till it is convenient to haul them to the barn, or stack 

 them. When stacked out of doors great care must be taken 

 that the rain does not get in, otherwise rot will rapidly ensue. 



305. When sown broadcast, the stalks are usually cut while 

 green, and fed to stock in stables. If retained till winter they 

 may be cut, bound, and stacked as above. A little salt scattered 

 among the stalks in stacking will be found useful to prevent 

 moulding, and cause the animals to cat them more perfectly. 



In 1845 over 31 tons of green corn stalks were raised to the acre in 

 Massachusetts. The product of two acres 32 rods, fed 20 cows, 1 heifer, 

 2 bulls, and 5 spring calves for 7 weeks and 5 days ; the dried produce 

 off the same acre being estimated as equal to 15 tons of the best &quot; Eng- 

 ligh&quot; hay. This production, however, is much greater than what is 

 generally obtained. Ten bushels of &quot;white flat Maryland corn&quot; were 

 sown on the 2 32-160 acres. Corn is sometimes sown broadcast for the 

 purpose of plowing it in as a manure for wheat. 



306. Corn is seperated from the cob by (a,) thrashing with 

 a flail; (b,) treading with horses; (c,) a machine called a corn- 

 sheller, of which there are several sorts, some moved by hand, 

 others by horse power. If required to be very clean the corn 

 is then passed through a fanning mill. 



The following is a rule for finding the quantity of corn, shelled or in 

 ear, in a house of any dimensions. Having previously levelled the corn 

 in the house, so that it will be of equal depth throughout, ascertain the 



