256 THE ESSENTIALS OF AGRICULTURE 



greatest gain in digestible material occurs between the time 

 when the corn is in the roasting-ear stage and the time when 

 the grains become glazed. It is also true that corn which is 

 reasonably mature makes a sweeter and more palatable silage. 



FIG. 123. Rack for hauling corn from field to silo 



The best stage at which to cut corn for the silo is when the 

 kernels are beginning to glaze and when the leaves below the 

 ear are dry. If the corn should become too dry to pack well in 

 the silo, about half a barrel of water should be added to each 



FIG. 1 24. Silage cutter and silo filler 



wagonload of corn. The water is most effectively and con- 

 veniently added by running it into the blower as the corn is 

 being elevated into the silo. Sweet sorghums should be mature 

 when harvested, to make a silage of proper sweetness. 



