242 AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



ensilage between 120 and 140 degrees makes dry stuff 

 more digestible is a main feature of the change. Then, in 

 a dry season, it is a great advantage to have the sap in the 

 feed. Experiments and experiences are confirmatory that 

 while filling in the stuff, or immediately thereafter, a heat 

 equal to about 130 degrees can be induced which shall 

 pervade the mass in the silo, and when, after that stage, 

 the silo or stack is tightly closed, fermentation ceases, the 

 ensilage remains sweet until re-opened. These results are 

 attained by not too rapid filling, the temperature being 

 watched; and as soon as that of one layer or portion reaches, 

 say 130 degrees, another layer of three or four feet in thick- 

 ness may be added, levelled off, packed closely around the 

 sides, and left for a day or two to heat in turn. Pits filled in 

 this way turned out beautifully, and the cattle, especially 

 milch cows, have had healthful excellent feed. Chemical 

 change and heating of plant material is developed by cutting, 

 by which the juices are exposed to the action of ferments, the 

 germs of which are almost universally distributed. The 

 very fine cutting which used to be recommended is 

 probably unnecessary, but lengths of from four to six 

 inches answer well. Neither corn nor grass, when packed 

 whole, come so certainly into a uniform heat, and there is 

 the greater risk of over-heating, mould, &c. This applies 

 equally to ensilage stacked above ground as to that stored 

 in pits. 



Other Feeds Available, Cob Meal included. Pollard 

 and bran make excellent feed ; but, to get all the benefit to 



enable the stomach of 

 the cow to digest it, 

 the feed does best 

 when cooked, or 

 scalded, otherw i s e 

 there is loss. Maize- 

 meal with the same 

 treatment enriches 

 and increases the flow 

 Revoi g Hay *** of milk. About 6 Ibs. 



of either, with ensilage or other feed, as much as the animal 

 can eat, make ample feed for a cow giving milk equal to 1 



