492 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [lo July, 191 i. 



SILO CONSTRUCTION. 



A. S. Kcnyon. C.E., Engineer for Agriculture. 



In the journal for OctoVjer, 1909, were given full instructions for the 

 erection of the wood and iron silo. At that time the Department had 

 discontinued the erection of silos for farmers. Since then, the demand 

 for the resumption of the building policy has been continuous, and the 

 Department is now prepared to build silos of the types described here- 

 under, or to assist in the erection of any other approved type. 



As before, inquiry by a dairy supervisor as to the bona fides of the 

 applicant, as to his need for such a method of conserving fodder, his 

 capability for growing the necessary crop, and the likelihood of the use of 

 the silo being successful, and thus forming an object lesson to the district, 

 precedes the granting of the application, whether terms be desired or cash 

 offered. The supervisor v.ill, at the same time, advise as to the best loca- 

 tion of silo, method of using, class of crops to grow, necessary machinery, 

 and other matters. 



Too much stress cannot be laid upon the absolute necessity of follow- 

 ing out in every detail the instructions given re filling. Success can only 

 be thus achieved. The points included in the instructions have all been 

 carefully thought out, and are the results of practical experience under all 

 sorts of conditions. Not, be it understood, that anything like perfection 

 has been reached. Many suggestions made by correspondents have been 

 examined and adopted. More will be welcomed. 



Lim.e washing is absolutely essential with the iron-lined silos, and is 

 nearly as much so with the concrete ones. Make the lime-wash thick and 

 give a coat as the silo is emptied, as well as one when filling. 



WOOD AND IRON SILO. 



The chief alterations are the omission of the .soles and struts in the 

 foundation posts. Split posts, which are now to be supplied by the farmer, 

 will serve if one face be trued up square for the part above the ground. 

 The top sprocket wheel in the elevator is replaced by an iron pulle\ , and 

 the running speed is increased about 23 per cent. 



Directions for Building a 69-TON Silo. 

 {14. ft. S in. inside diameter, and 21 ft. high.) 



All materials u.sed should be of approved quality and the best of their 

 kind. The timber is to be specially free from knots and gum veins. 



Foundation. — Roughly level site for a diameter of 16 ft., making 

 provision if on slope for drains to carry off any flow of water. Prepare 

 eight foundation posts of 6-in. x 4- in. red-gum or other sound and durable 

 timber, 6 ft. in length. Kound timber roughly dres.sed may be substituted 

 for the red-gum, but care must be taken to have the inner face dressed 

 truly. In this case it is probable that longer bolts will be required. Fix 

 a peg in the centre of the sites selected for silo, and describe a circle with 

 a trammel 7 ft. 8 in. in length. Sink posts 2 ft. 9 in. in the ground 

 so that the inside face of each post is true to the end of the trammel. 

 Keep tops of po,sts to one level and faces truly perpendicular. Well ram 

 the earth put back. From the centre line of face post to the same line 

 in the next post is 5 ft. 10^ in. measured straight. Put posts in to suit 

 line of roof ridge, which should suit position of chaff or silage cutter and 

 elevator. The elevator '.hculd go in at top of silo in line with the ridge. 



