244 CORN CROPS 



experiments, however, show field losses ranging from 10 to 

 20 per cent. A part of this loss in field curing is due to 

 direct loss of leaves and portions of the stalk. Where direct 

 loss of material is entirely prevented, there is still a loss, 

 apparently due to a slow process of oxidation or fermen- 

 tation. This loss will go on even when placed in stack or 

 under cover. 



As 15 to 20 per cent of the feeding value of corn fodder 

 is in the leaves, a large share of the loss of field curing is 

 due to loss of leaves, but a part to fermentations ; on the 

 other hand, all loss in silos is due to fermentations. 



Gai7i in gross weight 



174. After fodder has become thoroughly air dry, its 

 weight will then vary with the humidity of the air, as dry 

 fodder readily absorbs moisture. The Connecticut sta- 

 tion reports the results with two lots of fodder in 1877. 

 The fodder-crop was verj^ heavy, but the fall being dry, 

 the two lots cured down to 27 per cent and 36 per cent 

 moisture respective^, when placed in the barn. The 

 winter was warm and damp, so that 5.2 tons placed in the 

 barn Nov. 11, had increased in weight to 8.5 tons by Feb. 8. 



Shrinkage of ear corn in storage 



175. When ear corn is stored as harvested in October 

 or November, there is a shrinkage in total weight during 

 the first year varying from 5 to 20 per cent. Shrinkage 

 is principally due to drjdng out of water. It is directly 

 related to how well the corn matures, and the dryness of 

 fall weather. The following data from three experiment 

 stations illustrate ; — • 



