Alfalfa in Kansas. 



105 



As with stacks, loss caused by placing hay directly upon the ground 

 may be avoided by constructing a platform of native poles or old lumber 

 for the hay to rest upon. Such platforms admit of adequate ventilation 

 underneath the hay, prevent spoilage by surface water, and are found in 

 all well-constructed sheds. 



Some growers make twelve- to fourteen-foot driveways through their 

 hay sheds or barns. One driveway may go lengthwise, the full length of 

 the shed; or a number of driveways may go crosswise through the shed 

 at regular intervals. After the spaces on either side of driveway have 

 been filled with hay, the driveway itself may be filled. 



FIG. 101. A combination hay and feeding shed. 

 [Courtesy Kansas Experiment Station.] 



A very economical shed for hay storage, where considerable live stock 

 enters into the farming scheme, is in use by quite a number of the larger 

 growers. This shed is surrounded on two or three sides by feeding racks 

 and lean-to cattle sheds. The hay is stored in the central part of the 

 structure in the usual manner, and is fed in the racks as needed. Such a 

 system involves a minimum amount of labor in getting the hay to the 

 cattle. (See pages 251 to 258.) 



SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. 



Only 4 per cent of the growers reporting on the subject have ever had 

 a fire, or personally known of a fire, through spontaneous combustion of 

 alfalfa hay. They are located in Chautauqua, Greenwood, Marshall, 

 Montgomery, Reno, Sherman, Wabaunsee and Wyandotte counties. 

 Green or immature hay, and hay that has foreign moisture on it rain 

 or dew is most apt to give trouble. The condition is said to be aggra- 

 vated when green or wet hay is put on top of old and dry hay already in 

 the mow. 



The very best remedy for spontaneous combustion is prevention stor- 

 ing only hay that is well cured and free from foreign moisture. A 

 majority of the growers who discussed the point agree that the better 

 the ventilation the less danger there is of fire. "Hay wells," or air shafts 



