CACTUS FOE THE SILO. 35 



that their skinning knives are dulled by a few strokes, on account of the 

 large number which penetrate through the skin into the flesh, requir- 

 ing the cutting of thousands of spines in the skinning. Inquiry made 

 among hide merchants at several places does not indicate that they 

 recognize any deterioration at all on this account. The}' invariably 

 report that they take no cognizance of this defect in their classification 

 of material brought to them, although they admit that the value is 

 sometimes slightly reduced. 



It is invariably the practice, wherever chopping machines are used, 

 to feed the chop as soon as it is cut. A rapid fermentation sets in 

 usually within twelve hours, but the rapidity and time are dependent 

 upon the condition of the atmosphere. Authentic cases of injury to 

 cattle by the use of fermented chop have not been found, but feeders 

 report that they dare not feed fermented pear on account of an appre- 

 hension of injury which it may do. Rather than run any risks the 

 rancher prefers to feed immediately upon cutting. The process of 

 fermentation is a very peculiar and interesting one scientifically, and 

 of course has a decided economic bearing. There appears to be a 

 great deal of difference in the behavior of different species in this 

 respect, judging from specimens put up for museum use and for 

 chemical analysis. Some joints dry quite naturally in a relatively 

 short time, while others begin to ferment very soon after being* 

 removed from the plant. The Texas species which are fed may be cut 

 and piled in large heaps for from four to six weeks without under- 

 going any apparent change except a slight desiccation; but when 

 chopped, the fermentation starts in very quickly. There are indica- 

 tions that some species at least ferment much more readily when cut 

 in certain ways, and the cultivated forms more readily than the native 

 ones. It is well established that fermented cotton-seed products pro- 

 duce serious effects when eaten by cattle, and the rancher who mixes 

 these products with his pear must necessarily feed before fermentation 

 has had time to take place. The well-known effects of fermented cotton- 

 seed products, and the rapidity, vigor, and nauseating effects of the fer- 

 mented pear warrant the caution exercised by all who feed in this way. 



CACTUS FOR THE SILO. 



Attempts to prepare ensilage from prickly pear have been reported 

 once or twice in the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, but, so 

 far as the writer is aware, no definite results have been secured. The 

 Messrs. Furnish, of Spofford. Tex., attempted it one year, but on 

 account of the improper construction of the silo nothing came of the 

 experiment. 



There is but little use in the preparation of ensilage from cactus. 

 One can always gather this plant in the green state at any time of the 

 year, and the object of going to the trouble and expense of placing 



