472 



Maize for Fodder. 



The quality of the silage that maize produces is excelled 

 by that of no other crop. If maize be utilised in this way it 

 should stand till it is as mature as it is likely to become in 

 this country, though it must be got off the fields before 

 the occurrence of autumn frosts. Generally speaking the 

 latter half of September is the best time to make maize 

 silage, which may be produced in stacks, draw-heaps, silos, 

 pits, etc. (For general information in regard to ensilage, see 

 Leaflet No. 9.*) The practice of several farmers is to 

 utilise as much of the crop as possible in a green condition, 

 and about the middle of September to make what remains 

 into silage. In order to admit of the completion of the fer- 

 mentative changes it is desirable not to feed maize silage to 

 stock till well into spring. At that time a good sample is 

 of a brownish green colour, and emits an aroma almost 

 indistinguishable from that of strong tobacco. It is much 

 relished by stock, and seems to have a feeding value superior 

 to that of mangolds. 



w Copies of the leaflet may be obtained, post free and free of charge, on 

 application to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall Place, S.W. 



