lo Jan., 19 1 3.] Sil'>s a)id Silage. 



Galvanized clout tacks, i^ in. — t^ lbs. 



Bolts and nuts — two 5 in. x 5 in. ; two 7 in. x { 



Cement — two bags. 



Sand — two loads. 



Bricks— 268. 



SILOS AXD SILAGE. 



a. II. F. Baker. Silo Supcrvh'n . 



A silo is a practically air-tight receptacle in which green fodder is 

 stored in a succulent state. In this condition it will remain for as long 

 a period as required without deteriorating in value. The material thus 

 preserved is known as ensilage or silage. Correctly, the word "silo" 

 means a pit; but it may be a square, round, or oblong receptacle of any 

 size below or above ground. 



Methods of Silage-makixg. 



There are various methods of silage-making, and it is immaterial 

 which is followed, as long as care is exercised and a good sample is 

 obtained. The farmer should never neglect an opportunity to have some 

 such fodder stored on the farm. 



Pit Silo. — The underground or pit silo was the first style adopted 

 in Victoria and it met with varying success. It may be of any shape, pro- 

 vided the wall surface is comparatively smooth and as plumb as possible, 

 the bottom being the full width of the upper portion. The reason for 

 this is that, as the silage settles down, any unevennes.s of the wall surface 

 is liable to allow of air entering the mass and decomposition occurring at 

 that place. 



In hillside situations or porous soil, the wall or floor surfaces may be 

 left in their natural conditions, but where drainage is necessary it should 

 be walled with slab, brick or cement ; also provide a pipe or other means 

 to carry off any .sub-surface moisture to prevent the silage being damaged 

 thereby. 



The difficulty of properly draining the underground silo and of hoist- 

 ing the silage, together with the cxDst of excavating, bricking, &c., has 

 militated against the adoption of this system to any great extent. 



Stack Silage. — Stack silage has also been more or less popular in 

 many districts for a few years, and it is a very good makeshift method 

 of preserving green fodder in years of superabundant growth. 



Tub Silo. — Some fourteen years ago the overground, or tub silo as it 

 is now called, was introduced to Victoria from America ; and, owing to 

 the ease w^ith which it is both filled and emptied, it has almost super.seded 

 all other forms of silo. It was first introduced to the Victorian fanners 

 by the late David Syme. Professor Cherry, then lecturer on Scientific 

 Dairying to the Department of Agriculture, was so favourably impressed 

 with its utility that he advocated its adoption far and wide. It has been 

 considerably improved and cheapened since its introduction ; and now. 

 with the assistance given by the Government by the extended payment 

 system, it is within the reach of all Victorian farmers. 



The tub or overground silo may be built of brick, concrete, all .steel, 

 all wood, or wood and iron combination, all of \\hich have proved satis- 

 factory and have stood the test of time. 



