244 



Admitting that neither is of the very highest excellence in all 

 points, their rapid growth in spring, unusual ability to withstand 

 drouth; prompt starting growth after being grazed or cut, and 

 large yield make them very valuable. 



But no plant has probably so deservedly grown in popular 

 appreciation as has indian corn. I believe no other one plant 

 grown in Illinois furnishes so large a quantity or so great a 

 value of food for the cow as does a well managed corn crop. It 

 is not a perfect food, neither when green or dry; fed in sum- 

 mer or winter; from the stack or silo; with or without the 

 grain, can it merely be made the sole food for the dairy cow. 

 But more acres in indian corn seems to me avdisable on many 

 dairy farms. 



The silo has pretty certainly come to stay, but it will not 

 probably soon come into general use. Its value has often been 

 over-estimated, and the reaction from extravagant claims has had 

 a considerable effect. But the silo is not necessary to profitable 

 use of indian corn — stalk as well as grain. Planted twice as 

 thickly as when grown for the grain alone, in fact early in the 

 season and of an early maturing variety, it will furnish a great 

 mass of good food in summer or drouth, or in fall and winter. 

 Thejlabor of husking may be saved and good food be secured 

 by cutting stalk and ear together. 



Millet and Hungarian grass, with their unusual fitness for 

 growth in dry climates, may profitably be included among the 

 minor crops of the dairy farm. I am not convinced that roots 

 can profitably be grown in Illinois to be used as any considera- 

 ble part of the food of the cows. 



The season has given emphasis to my long-time belief that 

 extensive dairy farming is not the safest course. Many excep- 

 tions admitted, I believe it is safer for dairy farmers, as a class, 

 to produce something of other products for sale. 



I am well convinced the idea of the " special cow " has been 

 pushed too far in public and private teaching. There is an 

 important truth in it, but that truth may be distorted. 



This season's experience confirms the belief that " butterine " 



