SILAGE AND FOBAGE CROPS. 229 



plies almost equally well to it as a silage crop. There 

 is, however, much difference of opinion and practice 

 concerning varieties, thickness of planting and time of 

 harvesting, when the crop is to be used for summer 

 feeding or put into the silo. Formerly broadcast 

 sowing of the crop was not uncommon, as much as 

 three or four bushels of seed being sometimes used 

 per acre. With fertile soil a large yield was received 

 in this way, but the stalks did not have so good de- 

 velopment as when planted in rows, and the crop 

 cultivated. At present the more common practice is 

 to plant in rows three to four feet apart, and at the 

 rate of one kernel every four or even six inches in the 

 row. 



The kind of stock to which the crop is to be fed, 

 and the time at which it is to be used, have much to 

 do with determining the thickness of planting. If 

 to be fed to supplement the pasturage in the sum- 

 mer or to dairy cattle liberally supplied with grains, 

 comparatively thick planting is often preferred. If to 

 be fed in the autumn to hogs or to fattening cattle or 

 to be put into the silo for feeding to beef cattle, thin- 

 ner planting is advisa'ble. It is believed the great- 

 est food value is received if the crop be not planted 

 so thick as to prevent the formation and develop- 

 ment of small ears. 



The quantity of dry matter in the plant and its 

 total food value increases until it has nearly reached 

 maturity. There is some loss in palatability, possibly 

 some in digestibility and danger of considerable loss 

 from the falling of the leaves, if the crop is allowed 

 to mature before cutting. If the fodder is to be kept 

 in shocks or stacks it is better to leave it until the 



