Alfalfa in Kansas. 



89 



The diameter preferred for the round stack varies from 16 to 20 feet, 

 averaging 17 feet, at the base or surface of the ground. About 8 feet up 

 from the base it is customary to' make a bulge, so that the diameter at 

 the bulging point shall be about 24 or 25 feet. From the bulging point 

 upward the stack is tapered to a rounded point. The average height re- 

 ported for round stacks is 25 feet. 



There is a certain amount of waste in every stack, caused by ex- 

 posure to the weather, and the larger the stack the smaller will be the 

 proportionate loss therefrom. Considerable loss also may be avoided by 

 allowing the stack to rest upon a platform of timber or a layer of straw 

 or old hay, rather than allowing it to rest directly upon the ground. In 

 building any sort of stack the stacker should be careful to keep the sides 



FIG. 75. The rectangular stack is most popular. It should be topped out with 

 slough grass or old hay, or otherwise covered, and weighted down. 



FIG. 76. Well-made round stacks, without the bulge. 

 [Courtesy U. S. Department of Agriculture.] 



