The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-05-14
THE FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
Forage CrOps.

1t is proper for the farmer even at this
early period to make some estimates with re-
spect to his grass crop, and mainly for the
reason that he may be able in season to take
the necessary steps for supplying an existing
or apprehended deficiency. If drouth oc-
ours in July, just when the haying season
begins, and cuts down the crop one-half, it
is altogether too late to repair the damage, or
to supply the loss even by the utmost exer-
else of skill or prudence. Something ii lis true
even then may be done, by having recourse
to the rapidly growing but inferior kinds of
roots; but from what are generally recognized
as forage crops, but little can be expected
when sown so late in the summer.
1t is not often the case that short, thin
and sickly show Of grass in the spring is sue
ceeded by a bountiful crop; the dsappoint-
ment is usually the other way, and too often
the man who in springtime thought his barns
would hardly contain the luxuriant burden of
bis fields is casting about in midsummer for
some patch of salt marsh or meadow grass.
Just now every farmer may be able to de-
eide bow much of his grass has been winter
killed; but beyond that nothing is sure, and
even the cold and trosts of the next week NAV
inflict so severe check upon the young and
tender shoots that entire recovery and large
yield will be well nigh impossible. Add to
these considerations the usual mischief done
by insects, the evil effects of dry season, or
even of heavy rains, and it is quite safe to say
that the average farmer should every spring
make some provision for supplying the posi-
BILE deficiency of his crop. While asserting
this general rule we desire to recognize the ex-
ception in the case of the man who applies his
manures with liberal hand to few acres.
and consequently cuts large crops. For him
neither the wet nor the dry summer brings
any terrors; he is pretty sure of at least one
good crop and ordinarily of two, and there
fore is exempt from the necessity of making
any special provision for anticipated losses.
Thefact also that there is a steady and pro-
gressiye movement in the agricultural world
toward the soiling system, should induce all
intelligent and enterprising farmers to ex-
pertinent somewhat with the different crops
made use Of, and thus indirectly aid in pro.
viding for short yield of hay.
Rye is probably the best substitute for grass
that can be given to cows that are not to be
pastured, in the spring or early summer
mainly on account of its early growth. After
approaching maturity, and being cut and
cured as hay, it would be regarded as inferior
to oats or corn fodder similarly treated. On
these two crops, the main dependence has
thus far been placed. While southern corn
has been mainly used, as a matter of con-
venience, we think it has been clearly de-
monstratea that the fodder from sweet corn
is more valuable, whether used as green or
dry food. As to modes of cultivation, our
preference is decidedly for drills, thickly
sown, although many recommend giving the
stalks room for large growth, and allowing
them to stand until the ear is well developed.
AS corn has usually been sown for summer
use, and to be fed out green, it has not been
put into the ground until other crops have
been planted, would it not be well for those
who may wish to cure it for winter. to so it
early, in order that they may have the FULL
benefit of the summer heat in drying it.
Hungarian grass, or German millet is on
the whole the crop which affords the most
convenient and most valuable substitute for
hay. We have been surprised at the reluct.
ance with which New England farmers have
manifested to avail themselves of its adyan.
tages. At the South and West 1t is extern
sively used, yielding on some rich bottom
lands from six to eight tons per acre. 1t can
be sown as late as the middle of June and
cut before the coming Of the frost, either be-
fore the seeds have fully matured, or after its
large and heavy heads are we'll filled and ri
pened. In the latter case it is said that the
seed should be partially threshed, before Civ
ing the fodder to stock-especially horses.
We urge our readers to try some experiments
with this valuable crop, sowing little to be
cut before and after the ripening of the seed;
and by thus feeding to their own animals,
testing its comparative value.
The Cooley Method of Setting Milk.
At the last Winter meeting of the Vermont