24 



SILOS: CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE 



the outside. There is some question whether or not paint 

 on the outside increases the life of the silo, as the moisture 

 and heat on the inside cause the inner surface to decay 

 rapidly. 



Some paints, such as creosote, not only protect the wood 

 from moisture, but also are poisonous to the microscopic 

 plants which cause decay, thus preventing decay, if 

 the wood is thoroughly saturated. This is accom- 

 plished by means of heat and pressure. It will undoubtedly 

 increase the lasting qualities of the silo if the staves are 

 merely painted. This should be done, however, after it has 

 been delivered on the farm, as the farmer can then determine 



the quality of the wood 

 before painting. It is 

 better to paint the 

 staves before erecting 

 the silo, as the joints 

 can then be thoroughly 

 covered. 



Frame Silos. The 

 first wood silos were 

 square frame structures 

 studded vertically and 

 sheathed horizontally. 

 In the development of 

 the round silo it was 

 only natural to follow 

 the same plan, using 



Fig. 3. The construction of the Wisconsin silo. lumber thm OUgh to 



bend conveniently. Per- 

 haps the best known of this type of silo was originated 

 by F. H. King, of the Wisconsin experiment station, in 

 the '80's. The lumber extending around the siln has suf- 



