20 



Horse beans have been grown for two .seasons, but owing to late planting and 

 drought the crop of 1895 was not up to the average yield. In 1896 the seed was 

 planted early for this climate May 18. The plants grew well, attaining a height of 

 3 to 4 feet, and contained many matured pods when harvested. A good yield was 

 secured, but it is possible that it could have been made somewhat larger, without 

 impairing the quality, by planting somewhat closer. The plants stood about 1 foot 

 apart in drills 3 feet apart. 



Both crops were harvested September 8-10, run through the silage cutter and 

 mixed with corn in the silo, in the following proportions: One-fourth acre of sun- 

 flowers, one-half acre of horse beans, and one acre of corn. The whole plant of one- 

 half of the sunflowers was put in the silo mixed with corn and beans. Of the remain- 

 ing half the heads only were used. 



Both mixtures were found to be well preserved when the silo was opened in Jan- 

 uary, and were greedily eaten by the cows. The stalks of the sunflowers were so 

 large and coarse that it seemed doubtful whether the cattle would eat them, but after 

 being ensiled the mixture was as well relished as the pure corn. The cost of grow- 

 ing these crops can be estimated to be about the same as that of corn. The land 

 should be put in about the same condition, and the labor of caring for them is not 

 materially different. 



Yield per acre in pounds of sunflowers and horse beans. 



Chemical composition of the plants. 



Fresh material as harvested. 



Dry material (water free). 



The very large yield of sunflowers (whole plant) per acre shown in the table above 

 would apparently secure for them a favorable position among coarse fodder plants 

 for silage material. 



The yield of dry matter is slightly larger than has ever been obtained at the sta- 

 tion from corn, but notwithstanding that fact it can not be considered as desirable a 

 plant to raise for fodder where corn can be grown successfully. Its chemical compo- 

 sition is about the same as that of Southern corn grown in this climate; the exceed- 

 ingly coarse, rough stalks and leaves of the plant make it less palatable as a fodder 

 and, were it not ensiled, would be largely rejected by stock. 



The chief value, therefore, of the experiment with this plant consists in showing 

 the utility of the silo in saving such materials and preventing waste. Sunflowers and 

 other coarse plants are often grown for seed or other purposes when only a small 

 portion of the plant is used. The coarse parts that were formerly thrown away can 

 be now utilized and made into palatable and nutritious food for stock by ensiling. 



