126 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



Cutting the Top Stalks. The wisdom of nature is mani- 

 fested in the growing corn, by causing the stalk to grow far 

 above the ear. The seed, or pollen, is thus placed in a situa- 

 tion, favorable to be wafted by the wind to the silk, which is 

 connected with each kernel. As soon as the ear is filled, the 

 top of the stalk begins to die ; and this would seem to indicate, 

 that it might then be removed, without much injury to the 

 grain. It is the opinion of some, however, that the corn is in- 

 jured, by this process, more than is gained by the increased 

 value of the fodder. 



Perhaps the inquiry may not be out of place here, which is 

 the best way of using the top stalks, — to cut and dry them for 

 winter food ? or, to feed them out green to the stock, in Sep- 

 tember ? By referring to the report of the committee, on the 

 comparative value of crops, as food for cattle, in the transac- 

 tions for 1848, 1 find that doubts are expressed, as to the value 

 of green corn stalks, as food for milch cows. It is also stated, 

 " that some farmers are of opinion, that the fodder procured 

 from the corn field, will nearly pay for the labor of growing 

 and gathering the crop." Now, if corn fodder is worth but 

 little when green, we had better not spend much time in try- 

 ing to dry it for winter use. So far as my observation goes, 

 having given some attention to the subject, I am fully of the 

 opinion, that green corn fodder is one of the best crops that we 

 can raise, for the producing of milk ; though it is well known, 

 that it will not produce so great a flow of milk as green grass. 



Every one who has been accustomed to milking cows, knows 

 that, about the time of cutting English hay, the cows begin to 

 dry up ; and that, when the feed is good in July, they will 

 gain in flesh, but will not give so much milk as in June. This 

 shows, that green grass will make more milk, than it will after 

 it has ripened. By the first of August, the feed in most of our 

 pastures begins to fail ; the fall feed is not sufficiently grown, 

 to afl"ord a supply ; we are then without a full supply of green 

 grass, and the question is, what shall we have for a substitute ? 

 My answer is, green corn stalks. Those who use their milk 

 for making butter, will find, that, when their cows are well fed 

 with corn stalks, they will not be troubled with white, soft but- 



