104 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



readily and greedily devoured by the animal. It may be used 

 advantageously to save the pastures from being too closely fed. 

 But, if the produce of the animals is not essentially increased by 

 the feed, then the labor of growing, gathering, and distributing, 

 is, in a great measure, lost. We will not presume to speak pos- 

 itively, for we have not made those careful observations neces- 

 sary to warrant this ; but, so far as we have observed, in super- 

 intending one of the largest milk farms in the vicinity of Salem, 

 (the Pickman farm, so called,) our impressions are, that much 

 less benefit is derived from this kind of feed, than is usually 

 ascribed to it. Some benefit may accrue from the cultivation of 

 corn in this manner, by the aid it affords in pulverizing the soil, 

 and better fitting it for the crop the ensuing season; especially, 

 if a dressing of manure is applied at the time of planting, and 

 well harrowed in. Vigilant attention will thus enable the ten- 

 ant of a few acres to realize two crops, where but one, ordina- 

 rily, grows. 



In expressing a query, as to the expediency of cultivating In- 

 dian corn, to be used green^ for the soiling or feeding of cattle, 

 it is done more to awaken attention to the subject, than because 

 of confidence in our present impressions. We are aware of the 

 recommendations that have been given to this crop, in our own 

 publications, and by those whose opinions we regard as of the 

 highest authority. To be consistent, therefore, it is proper to 

 advert to these, until the question shall be definitely settled by 

 well-condncted experiments. In remarks upon premiums of- 

 fered for soiling, in 1823, Col. Pickering observes, that " Indian 

 corn will be well grown for soiling by the middle of July, and 

 will continue green, and in full sap, until the last of August. 

 In order to continue a supply of this rich green food, to which, 

 probably, no other vegetable of our country is equal, especially 

 for milch cows, pieces of land may be planted in succession, so 

 that some may be in full sap to the last of September." The 

 same distinguished practical observer remarks, in the last com- 

 munication he made to the society, September 25, 1828 : — 



" The great value of Indian corn-stalks, in their green state, 

 for feeding cattle, milch cows especially, I have before men- 

 tioned," alluding, unquestionably, to the quotation before made. 



