DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 717 



culture. The largest yield from a single acre was 58 tons, the average of a largo 

 area on the same farm was only 123^ tons. 



XII. Q. What kind of corn is best for ensilage? 



A. The largest is generally preferred; hence seed grown in'a warmer climate 

 is in demand. 



XIII. Q. What is the value of sweet corn as compared with other varie- 

 ties? 



A. It is conceded by many that the fodder of sweet corn is worth more, 

 pound for pound, than that of larger kinds, for soiling. Some hold that the 

 same superiority is retained in the ensilage, while others think that the advan- 

 tage after fermentation is on the other side. The sweet varieties generally do 

 not yield large crops. 



XIV. Q. Preparation of fodder for silo; what machinery, etc., is used? 

 A. The mowing machine is sometimes used for cutting corn in the field — 



oftener the work is done by hand. Various cutters having carriers attached for 

 elevated silos, are in use and are generally driven by horse, steam or water power. 

 Fine cutting, a half -inch or less, is in favor. It packs closer, and for this reason ia 

 likely to keep better than the coarse ensilage. Fodder of any kind may be put 

 in whole, and, if as closely compressed as cut fodder, will keep as well, if not 

 better; but it requires much greater pressure. [And the author would say 

 he should think it would be much more troublesome to get out, and not half so 

 convenient to feed.] 



XV. Q. What is the best manner of filling the silo? 



A. During the process of filling, the ensilage should be kept level and well- 

 trodden, A horse may be used very effectively for the latter. Some attach 

 much importance to rapid filling, while others make it more a matter of con- 

 venience. With the packing equally thorough, rapid filling is probably the 

 best. 



XVI. Q. What is the cost, per ton, of putting the fodder into the silo? 

 A. The cost, from field to silo, is variously reported, from 35 cents— and 



in a single instance 10 or 12 cents — for labor alone, to $2.00 and upwards per 

 ton, though the higher amounts include the entire cost of the crop, not the 

 harvesting alone. There is a general expectation that experience will bring a 

 considerable reduction in the cost of filling. 



It is probable that with a more general adoption of ensilage, the best 

 machinery will be provided by men who will make a business of filling silos. 

 This could hardly fail to lessen the cost and bring the benefits of the system 

 within the reach of many who otherwise would not begin. 



XVII. Q. What length of time before the silo should be opened? 



A. The ensilage should remain under pressure at least until cool, and bo 

 uncovered after that when wanted. [This point seems to be the most vague, 

 t. 6., the most indefinite of any of them. To " keep under pressure until cool," 

 —how long is that? It is understood, of course, that the ensilage goes through 

 a process of fermentation and becomes pretty hot, but how long it will be can 

 only be told by the subsidence of the heat, after which, it seems, they can be 

 opened when needed; but I should suppose it necessary to keep them tolerably 



