256 EXPERIMENT STATION— BULLETINS. 



then dressed pine boards put perpendicularly inside. The opening has 

 short boards fitted in slots so as to come out in filling and emptying. Tarred 

 paper is also used in the opening, as on sides. The studs are supported bot- 

 tom and top by sill and plate, in the middle by supports in barn. The 

 bottom is cemented with water-lime. After filling, all is covered with inch 

 boards and paper, same as sides, only not nailed. 



3. The first year it was filled with clover and orchard grass mixed, cut 

 when clover was in full bloom, and taken up immediately after mower, not 

 waiting for wet from dew or shower to dry off. We have since used corn. 



4. Our corn has been mostly common Yankee dent, with some sweet corn ; 

 think the large kinds of sweet make the best ensilage. 



5. We have, after much experimenting, found planting in hills gives the 

 best results, 3 feet 8 inches one way and one-half as far the other way, 

 making it about twice as thick as common field corn. 



6. About ten quarts of seed is enough per acre for me. 



7. We find the best results from cutting the corn about the time it begins 

 to glaze and before the leaves begin to die. 



8. Our yield has been from 15 to 20 tons per acre. 



9. The past season we weighed every load and had nearly 19 tons per 

 acre, and had it not been so very dry the yield would have been much 

 more. / 



10. We filled, one year, with corn, bound up in small bundles with marsh 

 grass, and found it a very satisfactory way, except that it did not pack as 

 close and more was injured, but it was very convenient to handle. 



11. We fill with our usual farm help without hurry, and in case the stuff 

 does not heat up to 110° Fahrenheit over night lay off a day, when it usually 

 gets warmer than that, sometimes 120°, but last year we found, owing to its 

 being very dry weather, it did not heat as rapidly or as much as I deem 

 advisable. I prefer it should heat to about 120°, believing the ensilage is 

 sweeter and packs more solidly. We are now feeding it and find it a little 

 tart. Our stock relish it well, but I prefer it sweeter. 



12. We tramp it as solid as possible, especially at the sides and corners, a 

 man being on it while filling. 



13. We cover with two thicknesses of boards, with tarred paper between. 



14. Weight moderately with barrels of earth, sufficient to keep the cover 

 down close to the ensilage. 



15. Have never made any figures of cost, but last year we put in four acres, 

 75 tons, in four working days, with four men and three teams. 



16. We filled the last of September and commenced using about the first 

 of January following. 



17. The condition was then about as now, being warm and moist, a little 

 sourer than now, but I believe the difference is owing to the center being 

 more solid and not on account of time. 



18. When first opened, it was rank in smell, sourer in taste than after 

 being exposed to the air. We feed from the top, allowing it to air about 12 

 hours. 



19. Have never fed ensilage alone, but in combination with dry feed. Our 

 practice is to put in a feed of ensilage and mix our grain feed with it twice a 

 day ; other feeds cut straw or hay during day and at night. 



20. Our cows have always increased in milk and butter when we commenced 

 to feed ensilage, and the women think the butter comes more readily when 

 we feed it. 



