The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1888-06-14

chusetts agricultural college, IN his repor'
has something valuable to say in relation
to fodder corn. He says that this crop
doubles it's nutritive value between the
appearance Of the tassel aud the glazing Of
the ear, as determined by analysis, and the
knowledge Of this fact, II acted upon by
the farmers, will be worth thousands OF
dollars to them.
Fodder corn as first raised by broadcast
seeding did not possess one.half the value
OF that now produced by improved meth
DDS. The doctor states that this crop gets
the largest share OF its food element from
the sunlight aud air, and hence TO be the
most benefited by these agencies should
not be planted too thickly. He would re-
commend planting in drills IL feet apart
with one kernel OF corn in every 6 inches
Of the drill
An acre well cared for planted in this
way should have "a, 900 stalks, and il they
average two pounds each, it would make q
yield OF "a tons OF wilted not dried fodder
for the acre, or more than equal TO eight
tons No. ] hay for mich cows He con-
siders this the cheapest kind OF rough fod
der that can be raised upon the farm. This
would be large yield, but not beyond the
possibilities Of good farming II would
take nearly eight acres OF grass on an aver
age to equal this one acre of corn fodder.
Such crop as this adds greatly to the
resources Of the farm for feeding, and
gives good profit on the labor and fertil
izer required for its production.
Ensilage seems at least to hold its own
and perhaps to make some advance, taking
the country together. The interest that
was exhibited in the matter on the subject
being first introduced in this country, and
the great claims made for the system, have
given place 10 more co mon sense view,
and it has now become more settled and
adapted to the wants OF the farmer.
From indications it has come to stay and
will continue to have place in the farm
economy. The system will not be so gen.
orally adopted as was at first expected, and
on the contrary those who have adopted il
do not seem inclined to give it up. There
have been changes in some points since thu
introduction Of the system into this coun
try, and probably there will b. others as
science or practice may deem 10 be essen
tial. II is fonnl best not to plant the corn
for ensilage ton thick, in order that there
msy I've . good growth Of stalk and pretty
we'll cared.
1t is also not quite generally advised 10
in this condition il will contain much more
nutriment. Some will even take common
field or sweet corn and after breaking of
the ears. cut the stalks aud put them in the
silo. and state that q good quantity Of ensi.
lage is thus produced. The methods Of
filling The silos have also changed some
what, il not being found necessary TO I'll
in as much haste as at first. or TO pack
down az solidly.
Some favor the production OF what is
termed sweet ensilage. that is. preserved
without fermentation or becoming acid and
sour. This is accomplished in the manner
Of putting 10 the silo and would seem to
be an improvement.
II has been found also that the corn can
be put In the silo whole, and some practice
this method; but We think that most pre-
fer cutting in short lengths Neither is il
necessary to build expensive sIos 10 which |
to preserve the epsilage. 1t il probable
that more wooden silos are now being built
than Of ell other kinds. These are found
TO work we'll, and are much the cheapest.
For year or two back there has been 9
severe droutb 10 some parts Of the West.
In Wisconsin IL was particularly severe,
and the efforts Of the farmers TO secure
sufficient forage for the stock led TO the
growing Of ensiIsge aud the building o.
silos. Las, year 10000 acres Of fodder
,orn were raised 10 this state aud COO silos
built
Tits year THE farmers Of this state,
although they may not anticipate drouib.
ret are so we'll pleased With their expert
nents With ensilsge that they will plant
70. 900 acres Of fodder corn and bnild 2000
vooden silos. This looks ss IL they had
crest faith 10 ensilags. and il the system
proves to them what they expect the severe
lrouihs to which they bsye been subjected
sill not be without come advantages
There is no doubt II most Of our snirasls
,ould have . moderate feed at Ieast once
lay Of ensilage while In the s,sble.l would
" Of benefit 70 them. AID particularly
ronld this he the case WHARF coxs are