SEEDING OF SILAGE CORN 157 



to avoid cutting the roots, which soon ramify in 

 every direction and fill the whole surface soil. 

 These feeding roots should not be disturbed. 



Seeding 



The quantity of seed to sow will depend to 

 some extent on the variety and the character of 

 soil. On good lands, the large-growing varieties 

 will probably give the largest yield if planted in 

 rows from two and one -half to three feet apart, 

 and the plants six to eight inches apart in the row. 

 This will require about fourteen to twent}^ quarts 

 of seed per acre, depending on the size of the 

 grain. Seedings as thick as this will permit of a 

 very considerable setting of ears, although not so 

 large a proportion as to make the silage too rich 

 in digestible carbohydrates. 



Time of cutting, and yield 



The best time of cutting is when the ears are 

 beginning to harden, and while the lower leaves 

 are still green. Of course, the season will influence 

 this point to a considerable extent. In dry seasons, 

 the lower leaves will become dry before the ears 

 have reached the proper stage of development, 

 although there will be appropriation of food by 

 the plant so long as any green leaves remain; 



