SILAGE AND FORAGE CROPS. 233 



tivated. When cat early for summer feeding, some 

 varieties will give a second crop. 



Millet. — Several varieties of millet are grown to 

 a limited extent as hay crops or for a soiling crop. 

 There is much confusion as to the common names. 

 Hungarian grass (Setaria Ifalica) is probably the 

 most generally known. The (rerman millet is larger 

 and coarser in stalk and leaf, and requires a longer 

 time to come to maturity, but yields more abun- 

 dantly. Some varieties have been cultivated for cen- 

 turies in Europe and in parts of Asia. They were 

 brought to this country at a comparatively early 

 period and have been generally tried. In no part of 

 the older settled portions of the country are they 

 largely grown and it is not probable they will ever in- 

 crease much in popularity for these regions. 



The crop is so well adapted to hot climates and 

 withstands drought so well that it is probable the 

 larger varieties will be somewhat largely grown on the 

 western plains, where they are now cultivated to a fair 

 extent. They are worthy of attention as minor crops 

 in the great grain- growing regions, especially where 

 the soil is light and well drained. The crop is not 

 well adapted to heavy clay or wet soils, nor to a cold 

 climate. It should not be sown until the soil has 

 become warm. With a very moderate supply of 

 moisture it grows rapidly. In from six to ten weeks 

 after sowing the crop may be harvested. On good 

 soil from three to five tons per acre may be cut. 



The seeds are nutritious, but sometimes not well 

 digested when fed to cattle or horses. There is 

 a largely unfounded prejudice against feeding the 

 crop. • Sometimes excessive feeding has produced bad 



