KAFIR CORN IN DRY REGIONS 117 
In threshing, the whole stalk can be run 
through a common grain-separator, but this is 
hard on the machine, and as a general thing a 
thrasher will not do such work a second season. 
The fodder is cut and broken up, and, while some 
hold that this is an advantage, it soon loses its 
flavor, and, if not thoroughly dry, will heat and 
spoil after stacking. Stock will eat the thrashed, 
broken-up fodder while it is fresh better than 
when whole, but in a short time it gets stale. 
When the kafir is bound, the grain may be 
removed by thrusting the heads into the cylinder 
of a thrashing-machine for an instant, and throw- 
ing the fodder off on a wagon. When it is desired 
to take the fodder at once from the field, this would 
perhaps prove the most economical method. 
When planted thick or sown broadeast for hay 
or fodder alone, it should be eut when most of 
the seeds or heads are in the milk or early-dough 
stage. At this time more nourishment will be in 
the stalks and leaves; besides, not being so hard 
as when fully matured, it is more easily digested, 
stock eat it more readily, and there is less waste. 
A great many make the mistake of cutting too 
early, often with the view of getting a second ercp. 
The nourishment in any feed is.conditioned on the 
process of maturing; the compounds must be 
elaborated and fixed in the tissue before they are 
food. Cutting any feed before the blooming period 
