20 SILOS AND ENSILAGE. 



CHAPTER IV. 

 CUTTING AND STORING THE FODDEE. 



While some have succeeded in preserving the fodder 

 corn in pits without first cutting, it is generally conceded 

 that it should be cut before storing. Already several ma- 

 chines, to be driven by horse or steam-power, have been 

 invented and are manufactured expressly for the purpose 

 of cutting fodder corn for ensilage. 



THE PROPER SIZE TO CUT THE FODDER. 



The fodder has been cut by different experimenters in 

 pieces varying from one inch down to one-fourth of an 

 inch, the majority regarding three-eighths of an inch as 

 the most desirable size. One object in cutting fine is to 

 insure the most compact storage possible and consequent 

 exclusion of air. The packing away should follow im- 

 mediately upon the cutting, in order that the juices of the 

 plant may not evaporate and be replaced by air. For the 

 same reason, there should be the least possible delay 

 between the field and the machine that is to cut it for 

 the silo. As Dr. Bailey properly suggests, " tearing or 

 shredding the stalks would be much better than cutting," 

 and leads us to hope that a machine for this purpose may 

 be forthcoming in due time. But at present the corn 

 must be cut, and for this there is no lack of suitable 

 appliances. 



That the size of the pieces is of importance in other 

 respects than as regards the preservation of the fodder, 

 is shown by a case that recently came to our knowledge. 

 A friend informed us that one of his neighbors, who had 

 succeeded admirably in preserving the fodder, found that 



