INDIAN CORN FOR FODDER. 51 



upper intervale, resting on accumulations of gravel and 

 sand, and therefore for the most part light, and sometimes 

 sandy. Wheat, oats, Indian corn, and potatoes, are the 

 crops raised — the corn more largely since the failure of 

 wheat and potatoes commenced. The wheat on the 

 ground this year promises 25 bushels an acre, potatoes 

 yield an average of 150 to 200 bushels. The Indian 

 corn always ripens, yields about 50 bushels, and is at 

 present the most profitable crop. 



The straw of the Indian corn is a very valuable 

 fodder. If cut before it is dead ripe, it is as valuable as 

 hay, and the cattle eat it as readily. Of this fact I 

 afterwards met with many corroborations, though, both 

 in the Provinces and in the Northern States, the waste- 

 ful practice of leaving the straw in the field uncut 

 extensively prevails. Besides the grain, as much as 

 three tons of excellent fodder may be generally reaped 

 from an acre of Indian corn of the taller varieties. The 

 advantage of this, not only in saving food, but in manu- 

 facturing manure, every home farmer at least will 

 understand. 



Indian corn has at various times been recommended as 

 a grain crop to our British farmers. But our summers 

 are not dry and hot enough to make it certain as a grain 

 crop. It is worthy of a trial, however, as an occasional 

 fodder or green crop on our lighter barley soils. A well- 

 manured field would raise a large crop of green stalks, 

 which are very sweet, and it might be profitable ei-ther 

 for soiling or for making into hay. 



The stock kept by Mr Rankine was seventeen milk 

 cows and thirteen other cattle, which consume on an 

 average about 60 tons of hay. Butter and cheese meet 

 with a ready sale. He had also sixty-five sheep, which 

 average, including lambs, 6J lb. of wooh This his 

 family manufactures into excellent homespun checks and 

 tartans, which are sold in the neighbourhood. 



