654 Rkport of the First Assistant of the 



The average loss of silage that has been heretofore reported is 

 so much greater than is necessary, under favorable conditions in 

 well-constructed silos, that it is poor economy to build any other 

 than a.first-class silo. 



Preservation of the Silo. 



The deterioration of most silo linings was formerly very rapid 

 from decay or crumbling, but recently it has been less noticeable 

 since the silos have been better made and filled with liper uia 

 terial. Yearly plastering or covering cement linings with a light 

 coat of cement whitewash prevents largely the injurious action of 

 the silage juices. Metal linings have not been found satisfactory. 

 The cheaper metals corrode rapidly, and paint has not seemed to 

 adhere well. Ventilation of the double walls of the wooden silo 

 and an occasional coating of preservative on the inner surface re- 

 tards decay. Coal tar or gas tar is highly recommended by some 

 authorities. This is thoroughly applied, while hot, to the inner 

 surface. 



Each year for several years past the inner surface of the 

 wooden lining of the silo at this Station has been painted with a 

 mixture of two parts, by weight, of paraflBu, two parts rosin, and 

 one part boiled linseed oil. These substances are melted to- 

 gether and the mixture applied, while hot. with a brush. The 

 proportions of these constituents have been varied somewhat 

 without apparent change in the result. This mixture is inflam- 

 mable and should be carefully handled about the fire. The 

 wooden lining, thus treated, after several years' service has a 

 hard surface and there is no decay noticeable. A wood surface 

 not treated would hardly have endured for this time without 

 some decay. 



Filling the Silo. 



When the fodder has reached proper maturity it is put into 

 the silo directly from the field, simply being evenly distributed 

 over the inferior and well trodden about Ihe corners and sides. 

 It is possible to preserve most fodders, including eveu corn, by 

 ensiling whole as the plant comes from the field, provided the silo 



