328 MAIZE 



CHAP, the handling and storing of a larger mass and weight of green- 

 stuff in proportion to amount of dry matter and feeding value. 

 It is not desirable to cut silage too green, and it is therefore 

 doubtful whether it is desirable to use very late-maturing sorts 

 even for this purpose. 



283. Classes Best Suited for Cultivation in South Africa. — 

 There is not, and probably never will be, any one breed or 

 variety of maize which can be said, without reserve, to be the 

 best for general cultivation throughout the Union, or in any 

 one Province. Maize is sensitive to changes in climate or 

 soil, and a breed which proves suitable in one district is not 

 equally suited to all, owing to the great variations in altitude, 

 temperature, moisture, and soil between different parts of the 

 country. 



Speaking generally, the dent breeds are the best for the 

 main crop, as they usually give the highest yields, and are in 

 greatest demand. The flint breeds are most suitable for 

 localities where the rainfall is limited and the growing season 

 short, or for planting after the last date suitable for dents, to 

 increase the acreage under crop. On the other hand, the flint 

 breeds are generally richer in protein than most of the dents, 

 and are therefore more nutritious for stock -food ; but on 

 account of their lower yield they cannot be recommended for 

 the main crop where dents can be grown satisfactorily. A 

 certain amount of flint maize is useful on every farm, however. 

 Yellow flints are more suitable than white, for the yellows 

 have a better flavour, and are preferred for stock-food, though 

 the yellow colour does not necessarily indicate higher feeding 

 value. The oversea demand for white flints seems to be nil, 

 while for yellow flints it is unlimited. 



Hickory Kins; is now more widely grown in South Africa 

 than any other breed of dent maize. It is in special demand 

 for the mines' trade, though it does not appear to command a 

 higher price than any other well-grown breed of white dent, 

 unless a glut in the market gives the buyer a choice. For the 

 export trade, well-grown Hickory King has met with a favour- 

 able reception on the European markets, especially among 

 manufacturers of grits, flakes, breakfast foods, etc., and among 

 distillers and brewers. The higher price already obtained 

 indicates that if the trade is carefully fostered by rigid grading 



