251 



The testimony in regard to covering is <(nite discordant. Some claim good 

 results with a given method, while with others it has failed. Some have good results 

 one season and very difl'ercnt results aiiotlicr with the same method. We need 

 much more positive knowledge on this point tlian is now available. 



Nine of the silos examined have been infested by rats. * * ■* The .surest safe- 

 guard against tlieni appears to be covering llie bottom of tlie silo witli a layer of 

 small stones or grout before the cement is ai)plie(l. ^ * * 



The general verdict is that the freezing, so far as silage is concerned, is more au 

 inconvenience than serious Joss. * * * 



At i»rescnt prices there is no available material on the market which can compare 

 witli wood in clieapness of first cost, and if a mode of construction can be devised 

 which will insure permanency to the framework, and at the same time give an effective 

 service of say 10 years to the lining, the essential demands of a material for silo 

 building will be met by it. 



[The following conditions essential to durability are stated:] Only sound and 

 well-seasoned lumber should be used. * * * Wherever the conditions are for the 

 rotting of silage there it is quite possible for the silo lining also to rot, as my 

 observations have shown, and since ample depth insures better silage, it may also 

 be expected to better preserve the lining. ^ * * 



[Since silage is most apt to spoil in the corners of the silo, the round form of silo is 

 deemed preferable.] Perfect ventilation on botli sides of the lining is one of the first 

 essentials to its i)rescrvation ; hence horizontal studding and the placing of linings 

 directly against beams or sills should be avoided as well as the lining of stone walls 

 witli wood. 



Silo linings. — In the majority of cases the best results have been associated with 

 the lining consisting of two layers of boards with tar paper between them, bitt it 

 does not appear essential that either should be matched ; they should be of uniform 

 thickness, however, and the narrower widths are best. On account of the conditions 

 which work for and against the rotting of linings I believe a still more effective and 

 durable lining may be seciired by painting both layers of boards on one side only 

 witli hot coal tar boiled until it is not sticky when cold. The tarred sides should be 

 placed face to face in the silo, tar paper between them, and I would urge the paint- 

 ing of the paper Avith cold coal tar after it is in jilace, but no faster than the inner 

 lining is put on. * * * 



The sills. — These should rest on a good stone wall, well bedded in mortar after 

 having theii- under sides and inner edges painted with coal tar, as described for the 

 lining, and they should be everywhere at least 6 inches above the bottom of the 

 silo inside and 8 inches above the earth outside. 



The comparative expense of different kinds of lining for round silos 

 is estimated. The following- comparative calculations of the cost of rec- 

 tangular and round silos are given: 



Rectangular silo, 180 tons. 



14x24 inside, 30 feet deep. 



Foundatiou, 13.44 jiercli, at $1.20 $16. 13 



Studding, 2x12, 28 ft., 4,704 ft., at $20 94. 08 



Sills, et*;., 2x10, 26 It., 206 ft., at $19 4. 94 



Sills, etc., 2x10, 16 ft., 426 ft., at $14 5. 96 



Rafters, etc., 2x4, 20 ft., 400 ft., at $16 0. 40 



Roof boards, fencing, 450 ft., at $15 6. 79 



Shingles, 5 M., at $3 15. 00 



Drop siding, 8 inch, 2,779 ft., at $16 44. 46 



Lining, sur. fencing, 4,256 ft., at $15 6:;. 84 



Tar paper, 426 lbs., at 2 c 8. 52 



Coal tar, 1 b.irrel 4. 50 



Painting, 60 c. per square ]5. 00 



Hails and hinges 10. 00 



Cementing bottom 5. 00 



18 |-ineh bolts, 18 inches long 2. 70 



Carpenter labor at $3 per M., and board 41. 16 



Total 344.44 



Hound silo, 180 tons. 



20 feet iusido diameter, 30 feet deep. 



Foundation, 7.5 perch, at $1.20 $9. 00 



Studs, 2x4, 14 and 16 ft., 1,491 ft., at $1 20. 93 



Rafters, 2x4, 12 ft., 208 ft., at $14 2. 91 



Roof boards, fencing, 500 ft., at $15 7. 50 



Sliingles, 6 M., at $3 18. 00 



Siding r.ibbeted. 2,660 ft., at $23 61. 18 



Lining, feueiu'r. ripped, 2,800 ft., at $18 50. 40 



Tar paper, 740 lbs., at 2 c 14. 80 



Coal tar, 1 barrel 4. 50 



Hardware 6. 00 



Painting, 60 c. per square 13. 20 



Cementing bottom 5. 00 



Carpenter labor at $3 per M., and board ... 33. 17 



Total 246.59 



