Ensilage by James McIntyre (1856)
The work celebrates the agricultural practice of ensilage, emphasizing its importance for dairy farming. It begins by highlighting the cultivation of southern corn, which is depicted as a vital crop for producing high-quality silage. The lushness and height of the corn are praised, symbolizing the abundance of the harvest in the fall season. The poem illustrates the direct benefits of ensilage for dairymen, noting that it enhances milk production. The imagery of cows roaming happily through fields of clover reinforces the connection between quality feed and the well-being of livestock. The relationship between the cow and clover is portrayed as affectionate, suggesting that the cow thrives on this natural diet, leading to increased milk yields. Throughout the work, there is a strong focus on the cyclical nature of farming, where the growth of crops directly influences the productivity of dairy operations. The tone is celebratory, reflecting the joy and satisfaction derived from successful farming practices. The poem serves as both an ode to the land and a practical guide for farmers, underscoring the significance of proper crop management in ensuring a prosperous dairy business. The imagery is vivid, evoking a sense of pastoral beauty and the rewards of hard work in agriculture. The work ultimately conveys a message of harmony between nature and farming, illustrating how thoughtful cultivation can lead to bountiful results for both farmers and their livestock.
By James McIntyre · First published 1856 · Genre: Poetry, Agricultural Literature, Nature Writing · 115 words
First lines
The farmers now should all adorn A few fields with sweet southern corn, It is luscious, thick and tall, The beauty of the fields in fall.
For it doth make best ensilage, For those in dairying engage, It makes the milk in streams to flow, Where dairymen have a good silo.
The cow is a happy rover O'er the fields of blooming clover, Of it she is a fond lover, And it makes milk pails run over.
What this Textopian page supports
Ensilage is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1856 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Agricultural Literature, Nature Writing, Rural Life, Lyric
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Agricultural Literature — The themes focus on farming, specifically the cultivation of corn and its role in dairy production.
- Nature Writing — The imagery and descriptions of fields, crops, and animals highlight a connection to nature.
- Rural Life — The content reflects the lifestyle and practices of rural farming communities.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humorous Poetry · Satirical Poetry · Agricultural Theme · Ensilage Process · Farming Life · Rural Setting · Literary Satire · Irony · Wordplay