ENSILING CORN 159 



of water is in softening the tissues, and in aiding 

 it to pack more closely. Tliis method is often used, 

 however, and, if the conditions in other respects 

 are favorable, good silage results. 



Frosts often come earlier than usual, and the 

 corn is frozen before it can be ensiled. When this 

 happens, it is best to cut the corn as soon as pos- 

 sible thereafter, and before the leaves are entirely 

 dry, cutting in rather large heaps, so that it will 

 not dry out too rapidly in the field. By care in 

 these respects, frozen corn can be fully utilized 

 for silage. 



Storage in the silo 



In the ensiling of corn, great progress has 

 been made, chiefly in the form and construction of 

 the silo. It has been demonstrated that the one 

 crucial point in the saving of corn in a silo, is that 

 the product shall be put in a building or receptacle 

 that is practically air-tight. A round structure is 

 more easily made tight and it presents the least 

 friction against proper settling and packing. It 

 may be made of staves, or frame, or brick, or 

 stone, or of any material that will accomplish the 

 purpose, namely, the prevention of the access of 

 air. Square silos cannot be so tightly constructed, 

 and the penetration of air when the silo is open is 

 greater. It is impossible to pack closely in the 

 corners. 



