128 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



removed from the field sooner, and the green and poorer part 

 of it is much better than it is when the top stalks are cut, and 

 it stands exposed to the frost. Many object to this method of 

 harvesting, because it makes bad husking. When the corn is 

 small, it can be harvested as cheap this way as the other. 



Some recommend this way, when grass seed has been sown 

 among the corn, as the grass will not be shaded so long. But 

 I prefer to top the stalks, and thus let the sun in upon the 

 grass. If the corn is stooked upon the grass, it kills it under 

 the stook ; and if it is removed, it is a good deal of labor, to 

 cart off fifteen tons of green corn, which we sometimes have 

 upon an acre. 



It is the usual method of harvesting, where the stalks have 

 been cut, to cut it up at the bottom, and cart it to the barn, to 

 husk. But when the corn is large, I prefer to break off the 

 ears, and carry them to the barn, and to get in the fodder when 

 it is dry. When the corn is housed, it should be placed in bins, 

 where the air can circulate freely, to prevent its moulding. 



After it has been safely housed, it may be proper to inquire 

 as to the best way and time for using it. It is now almost the 

 universal custom to grind it with the cobs, for cattle and hogs. 

 This is, probably, the best way. Does the corn ever possess 

 any more nutriment, than it did at the time it was housed ? 

 We know that a bushel of dry corn will weigh more than a 

 bushel of green. This we can account for, without supposing 

 it derives nutriment from the atmosphere, while drying. Corn 

 being more dense than water, as the sap escapes, the density 

 increases. 



I have thus freely given my views, with the hope that oth- 

 ers, who handle the plough and hoe, will do the same ; that by 

 comparing our views, we may learn the best method of culti- 

 vating this valuable crop. 



