226 SOILING CROPS AND THE SILO. 



made to render more effective service by growing 

 it as a pasture or as a green manure. 



The Artichoke. The Jerusalem artichoke 

 (Helianthus tuberosus) has been mentioned as pos- 

 sessed of some value in providing soiling food and 

 forage, but the stalks are too large and woody to 

 meet the requirements of a good soiling or forage 

 crop. Cattle will doubtless consume the outer por- 

 tions of the stems and branches and may in time 

 become fond of them, but they are unable to con- 

 sume the coarse woody stems. And there is the fur- 

 ther objection that the stalks are difficult to handle. 



This plant how-ever may be turned to excellent 

 account in providing forage for swine or winter 

 food for other classes of live stock. When con- 

 sumed by swine they feed upon the tubers where 

 they grew. The artichokes are thus eaten in the 

 autumn and winter and even in the spring where 

 the climate does not forbid the same. The plants 

 will render higher service in thus providing food in 

 areas favored with mild climates, but they may be 

 successfully grown in some part or parts of every 

 state in the Union and of every province in Canada. 

 There are several varieties. The Brazilian is the 

 most commonly grown but the French Improved 

 will give larger yields when grown on congenial 

 soil. 



Prickly Comfrey. Prickly comfrey (Symp- 

 hytum officinale) has been grown successfully as a 

 soiling food in Great Britain and other countries of 

 Europe for many years. Some experiments have 

 been made in growing it in the United States, but 

 the reports from these are conflicting. These 



