68 EXrEHLMExXT STATION. [Jan. 



2. The more immature the crop the more the damage and 

 vice versa, hccause (a) frosting checks further development and 

 (6) the plant, being in an immature state, is more easily de- 

 composed by micro-organisms. 



3. The contents of the ruptured cells fall an easy prey to 

 bacteria, are decomposed, and their food value lessened or de- 

 stroyed. It is doubtful if the organic matter already com- 

 jilctcly formed, such as fiber, starch and protein, is attacked. 

 It is the material in process of formation that suffers deteri- 

 oration. 



4. The rupture of the cells causes the water content of the 

 more tender portions of the plant to dry out rapidly, and these 

 parts become brittle, break off and arc lost. 



How TO HANDLE FkOSTED CoUN. 



It would appear, therefore, that the losses are threefold: (a) 

 fui'tlun- growth checked ; hence, the earlier the frost, the more 

 serious the loss; (h) chemical; (c) mechanical. 



In case the corn is intended for the silo, the quicker the crop 

 is ensiled the better. If the crop is not to be ensiled, it may 

 be allowed to stand uncut for a week or two. It should be cut 

 and stacked between September 20 and October 1. The extent 

 of the injury, expressed in figures, is difficult to state. The 

 greatest loss is evidently due to the checking of further gro%vth, 

 and the second greatest is probably mechanical, due to rapid 

 drying and falling away of the leaves and external portions 

 of the stalk. Palatability may be somewhat lessened. These 

 combined losses are not as serious as are often imagined, the 

 plant still retaining the larger part of its feeding value. 



