142 Ronnie's agriculture. 



being cut for half a day or more to wilt; otherwise 

 the silage will be sour. Com to be put in the bottom 

 of a silo should be nearly matured. If the corn gets 

 frozen, the sooner it is put into the silo the better. 

 If it becomes over-dry, water may be added after 

 the silo is about half filled. A low platform, 

 attached to an ordinary waggon, is what is required 

 for hauling corn to the cutter at silo. See III. yi. 

 There are several types of silage cutters, any of 

 which will be found satisfactory. The self-feeding 

 table is an advantage, and the blower is an improve- 

 ment over the carriers, although it requires more 

 power. To elevate from eight to ten tons per hour, 

 thirty feet high, requires an engine of not less than 

 twelve horse power. See III. 72. The most suitable 

 length to cut corn for silage is a debated question, 

 but it is generally conceded that a half-inch cut is 

 about right. 

 Corn and other j^ addition to com, which is preferable to all 



Silage Crops. ' ^ 



other fodder crops for silage, are the clovers, which 

 make a good quality of silage. Clover is specially 

 adapted to feed with corn and other carbonaceous 

 foods. Alfalfa gives the largest yield of any of the 

 clovers, and being a perennial, it can be cut in 

 succession for a number of years. Alfalfa and 

 orchard grass, or brome grass, make a better 

 balanced ration than any individual plant (including 

 corn), and being perennial, they will stand for years, 

 and give an abundance of succulent food without 

 any expense for cultivation, except a top dressing 

 every winter with good farm manure. The time 

 to cut and put in the silo is when the clover is in 

 bloom. The first cutting of alfalfa and orchard 

 grass or brome grass is usually heavy and difficult 

 to cure for hay, but it can be put into the silo as 

 soon as cut (and partially dry) to prevent clogging 



