74 



CEREALS OR GRAINS 



the corn without cutting the stalks, which are left standing in the 

 field. The ears are delivered into a wagon driven along the side of 

 the machine so that the box is kept under the elevator. In either 



Corn picker and busker. 



light or heavy corn this machine will work successfully, and is 

 designed for those who do not wish to cut or shred their corn crop. 



Another valuable labor-saving device in preparing the corn- 

 field for subsequent cultivation after the corn has been gathered is 

 the stalk cutter, which by a system of horizontal revolving blades 

 cuts all the stalks into small pieces in each row over which the 

 machine passes. 



Corn as a Food. According to some authorities when stover 

 is to be harvested it is best to have the plant as mature as possible 

 without having the corn blades fall off while the corn is being 

 shocked. 



When the corn is desired for silage the unripened plant is cut 

 into small pieces and placed in a silo, which is a receptacle with 

 air-tight sides and bottom. The silo should be built of durable 

 materials and should be from twenty-five to forty feet in depth, 

 and the surface area should be such that the silage will be fed 

 rapidly enough to prevent decay at the top. Generally a cubic 

 foot of compact silage is a standard daily ration for a milch cow. 



