19 



Composition of sunflower heads and peas. 

 FRESH PLANT. 



AIR-DRY. 



Yield per acre of nutrients compared with Maine field corn and red clover. 



Nutrients per ton of 2,000 pounds 'water-free substance compared ivith other fodders. 



Commenting on the above data, Mr. J. M. Bartlett, the chemist of 

 the station, makes the following observations: 



So far as is indicated by this experiment it would seem that sunflowers are not 

 nearly as profitable a crop to raise as corn. With the same cultivation corn produces 

 a third more protein and more carbohydrate matter per acre. From this very limited 

 experience we are not favorably impressed with the sunflower as a profitable silage 

 crop. The peas are not considered, as a fair average crop was not secured. 



In the report of the Maine station for 1896 a supplemental report 

 was made on sunflowers and English horse beans as silage crops. This 

 report was also made by Mr. J. M. Bartlett, and is as follows: 



For three seasons sunflowers have been grown on a small scale for a silage crop. 

 In 1894 and 1895 very fair yields were secured, but the season of 1896 was very 

 favorable, and an exceedingly heavy crop was the result. 



