THE SUCCULENT ROUGHAGES 213 



Most silos are constructed 14 feet in diameter. This is small 

 enough to allow sufficiently rapid removal of the silage in winter 

 for a herd of 15 animals. Where silage is fed in summer there is an 

 advantage in having one of small diameter, so that it may be fed 

 off sufficiently rapid to prevent spoilage at this time when less is 

 fed per cow. A 14-foot silo for winter feeding and a 12-foot silo for 

 summer is rather an ideal combination for a herd of 20 to 30 cows. 



369. Crops for silage. — Corn, sorghum, peas and oats, sun- 

 flowers, alfalfa, soybeans and rye are among the crops grown for 

 silage. Corn is the ideal crop for the silo. There is considerable 

 difference of opinion as to whether a well matured corn which will 

 furnish the largest yield of dry matter, or a type furnishing great- 

 er succulence but less dry matter is to be preferred. 



370. The variety of corn to grow.— In New York State, 

 Luce's Favorite is the most popular type of corn at present. It is a 

 type which will mature or nearly mature at a latitude, and under 

 the climatic conditions of central and western New York. It thus 

 makes a silage containing a considerable proportion of ears and 

 represents the type to grow where maximum yield of nutrients 

 rather than succulence is desired. 



Cornell 1 1 is another variety of corn for silage where a mature 

 type is desired. It is not quite as good a yielder as Luce's Favorite 

 but matures somewhat earlier and thus may be more suitable to 

 localities with a short growing season. 



371. Grow to glazing stage. — We believe that the variety 

 which will reach the glazing stage before the first frost will give 

 the best satisfaction. Luce's Favorite and Cornell 11, in New 

 York, and Golden Glow and Silver King, in Wisconsin, are such 

 varieties. Many states are making much improvement in their 

 strains of corn. Follow the recommendations of your State College. 



The time to harvest corn for silage must vary with the locality. 

 It should be done before the first frost. In such a latitude as 

 central New York this means around September 10. 



372. Filling the silo.— The corn should be cut in uniform 

 lengths not over one inch and so delivered to the silo as to dis- 

 tribute evenly the pieces of stalk, ear and leaf. The material must 



