TENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X 421 



FROST RESISTANCE. 



In Iowa the winters are so severe that it is difficult to construct a frost- 

 proof silo. The silo wall which will prevent freezing to the greatest 

 extent is the most desirable. 



CONVENIENCE. 



A silo should be convenient for filling and so arranged that the silage 

 may be easily removed from day to day during the feeding season. The 

 doors should be so constructed that they can be put in place and removed 

 with the least effort. They should permit easy access to the silo and allow 

 the removal of the silage with the least possible amount of labor. 



PORTABILITY. 



There are instances where tenants and others desire a silo which may 

 be used in one place for a time and then moved to a new location. Under 

 such circumstances, this feature should be given due consideration. 



FIRE PROOF CONSTRUCTION. 



It adds materially to the value of any building to be made of fire proof 

 material. The importance of this feature is realized when the large 

 annual loss from fire is taken into consideration. 



APPEARANCE. 



All farm buildings should be of good appearance. This feature adds 

 both to the attractiveness and the value of the farm. A permanent silo 

 of neat appearance is the most desirable silo to construct, other things 

 being equal. 



SIMPLICITY OF CONSTRUCTION. 



It is an advantage to select a silo which can either be constructed 

 without special skilled labor, forms or tools, or can be purchased ready 

 for erection without the aid of skilled labor. 



One of the most important features to be considered in the selection 

 of a silo is its first cost. The silo which will furnish storage for silage 

 at the least cost per ton is the silo to build, other points being equal. 



THE IOWA SILO. 



A discussion of the Iowa silo under each of the points of merit which 

 have been mentioned follows: 



IMPERVIOUSNESS OF THE WALLS. 



Hard burned hollow clay building blocks will not absorb a large amount 

 of water. Moisture is not readily transferred through a wall of such 



