162 CROPS FOR SEMI-ARID REGIONS. 



have also had good success with the sugar cane or Ambor cane. 

 "There is this difference, however, that should be observed in 

 filling the silo with the above crops, namely, that the kaflr corn 

 and milo maize should be allowed to fully mature, that is, allow- 

 ing the sap to carry the sugar up into the stalk which is usually 

 done just before the plant is fully matured. While in the case 

 of sugar cane, we have found it best to cut this on the green 

 side before the maximum amount of sugar has been deposited 

 in the plant, otherwise, we find that sugar cane ensilage sours." 



Bulletin No. 181 of the Oklahoma Station says: "Silos are 

 not luxuries but necessities in Oklahoma. The silo does not 

 only preserve fodder in its best form for feeding, but provides 

 the cheapest of feeds for cattle and sheep. The whole corn or 

 sorghum crop be stored up butt, stalks and all so that hardly 

 any is lost. 



"Silage is much relished by stock, especially by cattle and 

 sheep. It is palatable, cheap and succulent, thins and cools the 

 blood, improves the handling qualities of skin and hair, tones 

 up the digestive system, and improves the health generally. 

 Breeding females are put in good condition for producing healthy 

 offspring, and after parturition are better able to give plenty of 

 milk than when on a dry ration. To a large extent it is a pre- 

 ventive of digestive troubles, and with dairy cows it lessens con- 

 siderably the chances of milk fever and garget. The legumes. 

 such as alfalfa, cow peas, clover, soy beans, while they can be 

 made into silage, are not satisfactory when mixed alone, as they 

 will not pack sufficiently, but when mixed with a good propor- 

 tion of corn or kafir fodder make a first-class, well balanced 

 silage." 



Texas. Sorghum is a sure crop in Texas and will produce 

 a fine quality of ensilage. Texas Bulletin No. 11 says that the 

 heavy growing varieties such as the Orange and African cane 

 are preferred. It is planted in drills three feet six inches apart 

 and cultivated. If it is planted early, two good crops can be 

 secured in one season on the same ground if the stubble is 

 cultivated after the first crop is cut off. This crop should also 

 be allowed to mature until the seed are hard. 



An authority on silage conditions in Texas, connected with 

 the Frisco Railroad System, writes that "Sorghum is the most 



