Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1882-10-28
AGRICULTURAL.
EusilaaerThe slls.


lead of ensilage crops. Rye is grown
By many in connection with corn-the
same ground producing q crop of each
in q season.. Oats. sorghum, Hungarian
grass, field peas, clover in fact, almost
every crop used for soiling-has been
stored in silos and taken out in good
condition. There are indications that
some materials have their value en-
harced by the fermentation IT the silo,
while In others there is loss. The. rela.
tive value for ensilage of the different
soiling crops can only be determined
through careful tests, often repeated, by
practical men. ALI thoughtful farmers
would be glad to get more value from,
the bulky fodder of their corn crops
than is found in any of the common
methods. There are accounts of pluck
ing the ears when the kernels were we'll
glazed, and putting the fodder into the
silo. The value of such ensilage, and
the loss, if any, to the grain, are not
sufficiently ascertained to warrant posi-
tive statements. Hsft
Planting and Cultivation Thorough
preparation before planting is essential.
Corn, sorghum, and similar crops should
be planted in rows. The quantity of
seed corn varies from eight quarts to a
bushel and half for an acre. A smooth
ing harrow does the work of cultivation
perfectly, and with little expense, while
the corn is small.
Condition of Ensilaee when Opened |:
In nearly all cases the loss by decay was
very slight, and confined to the top and
sides, where there was more or less ex-
posure to air. Generally the ensilage
has kept perfectly for several months,
showing no deterioi alton while any re-
NAMED in the silo, excepting where ex-
posed for o considerable time. 1t is
better to uncover whole silo. or COM
partment of a silo, at once, and thus ex-
pose a new surface each day, than to cut
down sections. ia ~
Value of Ensilage for Mich Cows /:
Ensilaee has been fed to mich COWS
more generally than to any other kind
of stock, and no unfavorable results are
reported. There can be little doubt
that its greatest value will always be
found in this connection. Several
feeders consider it equal in value to
one-tbird of it's weie bit of the best hay,
and some rate it higher. There is a
marked increase in quantity and i'm
provement in quality of milk and butter
after changing from dry feed to ensil-
age, corresponding with the effects Of a
similar change to fresh pasture. few
seeming exceptions are noted, which
will probably find explanation in defects
easily remedied, rather than in such as
are inherent. .f
Value for other Stock: EnsiIage has
been fed to all kinds of stock, including
swine and poultry, with results almost
uniformly favorable. Exceptions are
noted in the statements Of Messrs. Ooe
Brothers and O. B. Henderson, where it
appears that horses we're iIjuriously
affected. 1t should be borne in mind
in this connection that ensilage is sim
ply forage preserved in a silo. and may
vary as much in quality as hay. The
ensilage that is best for mich COW
may be injurious to horse, and that
on which horse would thrive might
render poor return in the milk. pail
Cows giving milk are commonly fed
fifty to g xty pounds, with some dry
fodder and grain. i l.
Method of Feeding: Experiments
have been made in feeding ensilage
exclusively. and results have varied
with the quantity of ensilage and the
stock fed. II is certain that ensilage of
corn cut while in blossom, or earlier, is
not alone sufficient for mich COWS. It
is best to feed hay once day and some
grain or other rich food. unless the
latter is supplied in the ensilage, as it
is when corn has reached or passed the
roasting ear stage before cutting. En-
silsge. as it is commonly understood. is
a substitute for hay and coarse fodder
generally, and does take the place
of grain. The condition of STOCK fed
on ensilage, both as to health and gain
in weight, has been uniformly favorable.
As to the Proitableness of Ensilage =
There is hardly doubt expressed on
this point-certainly, not q discerning
opinion.
Remarks: The general nee of ensil.
age must depend largely upon its cheap.
Dess. Costly silos and expensive ma
chfnery must always be insnrmountable
obstacles to a majority Of farmers. For
thus reason experience tending to show
what is essential to the preservation Of
fodder in silas is OF the first Importance.
Especial attention is invited to the
earth silo mentioned IN the st@tement
Of Francis Morris. e q, Of Oakland
Man1f, Nd. Mi Morris is pioneer in
eDsilage in America, his first sIlos bav-
ing been built and flied in 1876.
These were in the basement of his barn,
walls of masonry. The next year be
made trench in slopiDe ground so that