IMPORTANCE AND HISTORY 3 



farm crop. Maize produces a large quantity of " stover" (the 

 stalk and leaves after the ears have been removed), which is of 

 considerable use for winter-feeding stock if properly harvested; 

 this should be taken into account in estimating the relative 

 value of the crop. The husks, stalks, and cobs are also used 

 for a number of manufacturing purposes, which are mentioned 



CHAP. 



I. 



Fig. 2.— In a maize field in the Transvaal Bush-veld (Tzaneen, Zoutpans- 

 berg District). 



in detail in a later chapter. As silage material, maize is one 

 of the very best crops that can be grown, both on account of 

 its heavier yield per acre and also because of the succulence 

 and physical character of the plant, which render it peculiarly 

 suitable to the process of ensiling. 



We still hear South African farmers say that maize is a 



