27 



The genernl results of the feeding experiments made witli this prod- 

 uct show that as a feed the stover is greatly increased in value by the 

 removal of the pith, the pith being less digestible and, on account of 

 its high absorptive properties, consuming too much of the gastric excre- 

 tions. There seems to be no doubt of the fact that the feeding value of 

 the maize stover is very considerably increased both by the removal of 

 the pith and by finely grinding the residual shells of the stalks. 



PROPERTIES OF THE PITH. 



The percentage of pith in the stalks and its chemical composition 

 have been previously given. 



The pith has a remarkably high absorptive capacity for liquids. 

 Experiments show that it will absorb twenty-five times its weight of 

 water. 



Compressibility. The pith is also capable of being compressed into 

 a very much smaller bulk, but without losing its resiliency. The com- 

 pressed blocks of pith still are to a certain degree flexible and are 

 capable of absorbing immense quantities of water, but not so large as 

 in the uncompressed state. This pith has been used with the greatest 

 success in the construction of battle ships in the American Navy, the 

 compressed blocks being placed between the two walls of armor and 

 by reason of their resiliency they are found to completely close up the 

 hole made by a projectile so as to prevent the entrance of water for a 

 very considerable length of time. For this purpose it has been found 

 to be immensely superior to other forms of pith which have been in use 

 for this purpose heretofore, for instance the pith of the cocoanut. 



Nitrating properties. The pith, either directly or after extraction with 

 a dilute alkali, is easily nitrated into all the various forms of material 

 commonly made from cotton. It has many advantages over cotton for 

 nitrating purposes, especially in the manufacture of explosives of all 

 kinds, by reason of its more perfect keeping qualities. As is well 

 known, the fibers of cotton are hollow and are filled with a mixture of 

 acids during the process of nitration. It is found very difficult to 

 remove these traces of acid by subsequent washing, and therefore the 

 keeping qualities of explosives made from cotton are not of the best. 

 The pith of Indian corn stalks is not open to the objection just urged 

 against the fibers of cotton. It is easily nitrated, easily washed, and 

 makes an excellent article for solution in amyl acetate or other solvent 

 for the manufacture of varnish of different kinds and also for making 

 substitutes for gun cotton for the purpose of manufacturing smokeless 

 powder and other explosives. 



COMPOSITION OF THE COBS. 



The cobs of Indian corn have high nutritive values, but have been 

 used in this country mostly for fuel, and not for cattle feeding. In the 

 last few years they have been used in some localities for cattle feed 



