488 Bulletin 167. 



or more of buckwheat straw and this protected the silage from 

 action of frost. Samples of the frozen silage were taken and when 

 thawed out no deterioration in value was observed. When these 

 silos are constructed out of doors it is considered important that 

 in cold weather the top of the silage be well covered over with 

 straw or hay, or some other material which will conserve the 

 heat from the interior. The covering can be pitched back each 

 da3' as the silage is removed for feeding and then returned to 

 place again. This practice successfully protected silage during 

 the most severe weather that has been experienced in New York 

 for many years. 



Painting the silo. — Whether the silo shall be painted on the 

 outside is simply a matter of taste. If the other farm buildings 

 are painted it would be w^ell to have the silo painted the same as 

 the other buildings. Various paints and compounds have been 

 recommended for the interior. Probably the best paint is com- 

 mon gas or coal tar put on hot, though it is very doubtful if the 

 interior is improved by painting. If paint is applied to the staves 

 while they are still green it is likely to hasten rather than prevent 

 decay. If gas tar or paint is applied it should Vje done after the 

 hoops are made tight and the staves drawn close, otherwise the 

 paint is likely to enter the cracks and harden and thus prevent 

 the staves from being drawn together. The large silo built at 

 Cornell University was painted upon the interior, a part with gas 

 tar and a part with a special preparation, and one part w-as left 

 with no paint, the silage kept equally well in all portions of the 

 silo. 



It is impossible to anticipate all difficulties which will be met 

 with in various cases. Ingenuity and judgment will suggest 

 many changes from the plans which have been outlined above. 

 It is hoped, however, that the suggestions herein contained will 

 be of value to those who contemplate building a silo, and it is 

 possible that the attention of some wnll be called to the feasibility 

 and value of the silo who have not heretofore given the subject 

 serious thought. L. A. Clinton. 



