FARM DEPARTMENT. 233 



been as much of a hindrance to the introduction of the silo as the persistent 

 opposition of some scientists, who have ignored practical results because 

 they did not conform to their preconceived theories. 



In the following pages I have aimed to give such suggestions about silos, 

 the making and feeding of ensilage, as our experience has shown are calcu- 

 lated to give the best results. 



Believing the testimony of practical farmers, in various parts of the State, 

 who had silos would be of great value in this connection, I addressed a letter, 

 with a schedule of questions, to several of them, with a request for replies 

 based on their experience. A large amount of valuable information is 

 embodied in their answers, published herewith, which, without exception, 

 are decidedly favorable to this system. 



SILOS — LOCATION", CONSTRUCTION" AND MATERIAL. 



As a matter of convenience and economy in handling the ensilage, the silo 

 should be as near the feeding room or stable as possible, and on the same 

 level. It may often be economically located in the bay of the barn, or in 

 some adjacent building. The carting of the ensilage from the silo to .other 

 buildings is not only expensive, but there is more or less of waste from the 

 exposure. 



In the early history of silos it was thought that only stone, brick or con- 

 crete could be used in their construction, and that deep excavations or pits 

 were preferable to having the structure largely above ground. More extended 

 experience has demonstrated the fact that these more expensive materials are 

 not necessary, but that silos built of lumber preserve the ensilage as well, if 

 not better, and no difficulty is experienced in keeping the ensilage when the 

 silo is entirely above ground. 



I do not wish to be understood as objecting to the use of any of these 

 materials. All of them have been used in the construction of silos and have 

 proved satisfactory, so far as keeping the ensilage was concerned. Some have 

 experienced trouble with the stone walls on account of their having proved 

 conductors of the frost. We have never had much trouble in that particular, 

 but the stone or brick silo is too expensive. The farmer is not apt to think 

 of it as a permanent investment, and if he can build a silo with lumber, which 

 is equally as good or better while it lasts, for less than half the expense of 

 the stone or brick, he is quite likely to decide upon that material. 



It will be remembered that the first silos in this country were excavations 

 made in impervious soils. Mr. Francis Morris, of Maryland, made ensilage 

 of corn in such excavations as early as 1876. 



At the recent ensilage convention held in Cleveland a vote was taken on 

 building silos ; twelve voted for double boarding, with lath and plaster ; 

 three for double boarding, with tarred paper; and seven for only one thick- 

 ness of matched narrow lumber on the inside of studding. 



Great care should be taken to have the walls of the silo smooth and vertical, 

 so that the ensilage shall settle evenly. 



SIZE OF THE SILO. 



To determine the size of the silo, estimate as a daily ration for each animal 

 to be fed about 6 per cent of its live weight. This amount of good corn 



