THE DETERIORATION OF CORN IN STORAGE. 5 



varied from 52.6 pounds in the fourth draft to 55 pounds in the 

 eighth and ninth, with a total average of 53.7 ])ounds. Similar 

 variations are shown in the other factors, most of which indicate 

 that the corn of the highest quality and in the best condition was 

 the Illinois corn contained In the eighth and ninth drafts. 



NOTES ON THE TEMPERATURE AND THE CONDITION OF THE CORN 



WHILE IN THE BIN. 



The bin used in this experiment was previously equipped with 

 thirteen electrical resistance thermometers, so that temperature 

 records of the corn in various parts of the bin could be taken at any. 

 time during the course of the experiment. Thermometer No. 1 was 

 about 3^ feet from the bottom, near the center of the hopper. The 

 other thermometers were distributed through the center of the corn, 

 approximately 8^ feet apart, except that in the corn near the top 

 of the bin, wdiere deterioration is most hkely to begin, additional 

 thermometers w^ere placed at various points. Figure 1 shows the 

 location of these thermometers, numbered from 1 to 7 and from A 

 to E, inclusive. In this same diagram are also showTi the number 

 of bushels contained in each draft, the average moisture content 

 and the weight per bushel of the corn in the various parts of the bin 

 at the time of filhng, the temperature of the corn immediately after 

 the bin was filled, and the maximum temperature of the corn at the 

 end of the experiment, wliich extended over a period of 69 days. 



The temperature of the corn immediately after the bin was filled 

 varied from 36° to 40° F, As the bin was being filled the atmosphere 

 was clear and dry, the relative humidity being 48 per cent. The 

 temperature of the air in the elevator varied from 36° to 39^° F. 

 "While the corn was in storage, temperature readings were made every 

 two or three days until April 22, when the corn at the top of the bin 

 gave evidence of very rapid deterioration, necessitating frequent 

 readings during the remaining five days of the test. 



The first indication that the corn had begun to deteriorate was on 

 the 26th of March, after it had been in storage 37 days, at which time 

 a slightly sour odor was perceptible in the corn at the top of the bin, 

 showing that fermentation had begun. The highest temperature 

 recorded at this time was 42° F., by thermometer C, approximately 

 5 feet below the surface of the corn. From this time on the increase 

 in the temperature of the 500 bushels of corn at the top of the bin 

 became more pronounced. However, 27 days later, on April 22, the 

 highest temperature recorded was still less than 70° F., but during 

 the 5 (Uiys immodiatoly following a maximum of 133° F. w^as reached, 

 S inches below the surface of the grain. r 



[Cir. 43] 



