CHAPTER III 

 WOOD SILOS 



The wide distribution and cheapness of lumber during 

 the early stages of silo development were conducive to its 

 extensive use. A very large proportion, 80 to 90 per cent, 

 of all the silos in use are wood. Lumber and its uses have 

 been more widely known to average mechanics, which also 

 contributes to making the wood silo the most common type. 

 It can be secured in convenient forms of good grade, and is 

 quite durable if used properly. Wood swells quickly when 

 in contact with the moist silage, which makes it an important 

 and very useful silo-building material. 



Kinds of Wood. Practically all authorities are today 

 agreed that the various woods related to cedar, such as 

 cypress, California redwood, and Oregon (Douglass) fir, are 

 the most desirable kinds for silo purposes. There is room 

 for choice among these woods, as cypress, while extremely 

 durable, cannot be secured in as clear and long length 

 stock as the redwood and fir. The redwood is more expen- 

 sive than the fir, but it also is considered superior to it. It 

 can be secured in a very clear quality and in any length 

 required. The fir can also be secured in good quality and 

 long lengths. 



A good quality of white pine is very difficult to get today. 

 Hemlock is not used a great deal, but for cheap silos a 

 yellow pine or tamarack serves very well. The heartwood 

 of the yellow pine or tamarack is very durable, and whenever 

 possible clear heartwood should be secured. 



Painting Wood Silos. With any kind of wood it is 

 mportant, at least for the sake of appearances, to paint 



