FILLING THE SILO. 27 



corn year, so that, the crop was somewhat uneven at 

 harvesting. The leaves at the bottom of the stalks had 

 largely become dry and dead, and a sharp frost when the 

 cutting was about half finished injured somewhat the 

 leaves on that portion still standing in the field. Some 

 of the stalks had ears large enough for roasting ; and the 

 whole of it, I think, was rather too mature. 



There was estimated to be in the Silo when opened 

 125 tons. The crop was very uneven, some parts having 

 at least 40 tons to the acre. Upon other parts, where 

 the drought affected that which was replanted, the yield 

 was not over 10 tons per acre. I do not think it will 

 be at all difficult to raise 40 to 75 tons per acre upon an 

 average on good corn-land. It should be planted from 

 the ist to the loth of June. It will then be in full 

 blossom, and in the best condition to cut, by the last of 

 August and before any frost can injure it. 



As stated above, the cutting was finished on the 3Oth 

 of September. It was decided to open it on the third 

 day of December ; and, as the condition of the Ensilaged 

 maize was a question of the utmost importance, it was, 

 upon the suggestion of Mr. Brown, decided to have the 

 "opening of the Winning- Farm Silos" a public matter 

 " as the American Initiative." 



Accordingly invitations were sent to quite a number 

 of gentlemen, well known for their interest in agricul- 

 ture, as well as for the benefit they have conferred upon 

 the whole country in the untiring efforts they have made 

 to improve not only our system of cultivation, but our 

 domestic breeds of cattle and all the fruits of the earth 

 which minister to the wants and add to the pleasures 

 of mankind. 



