KAFIR CORN IN DRY REGIONS 117 



In threshing, the whole stalk can be run 

 through a common grain- separator, but this is 

 hard on the machine, and as a general thing a 

 thrasher will not do such work a second season. 

 The fodder is cut and broken up, and, while some 

 hold that this is an advantage, it soon loses its 

 flavor, and, if not thoroughly dry, will heat and 

 spoil after stacking. Stock will eat the thrashed, 

 broken-up fodder while it is fresh better than 

 when whole, but in a short time it gets stale. 



When the kafir is bound, the grain may be 

 removed by thrusting the heads into the cylinder 

 of a thrashing-machine for an instant, and throw- 

 ing the fodder off on a wagon. When it is desired 

 to take the fodder at once from the field, this would 

 perhaps prove the most economical method. 



When planted thick or sown broadcast for hay 

 or fodder alone, it should be cut when most of 

 the seeds or heads are in the milk or early-dough 

 stage. At this time more nourishment will be in 

 the stalks and leaves; besides, not being so hard 

 as when fully matured, it is more easily digested, 

 stock eat it more readily, and there is less waste. 

 A great many make the mistake of cutting too 

 early, often with the view of getting a second crop. 

 The nourishment in any feed is conditioned on the 

 process of maturing; the compounds must be 

 elaborated and fixed in the tissue before they are 

 food. Cutting any feed before the blooming period 



