Construction of the Silo 219 



for ensiling any fodder which is susceptible of prompt 

 and thorough drying in the field, because in such cases 

 there is an unnecessary waste of food substance by fer- 

 mentation and an unnecessary handling of many tons 

 of water contained in the green material, with no com- 

 pensating advantages. But any crop used for the 

 production of silage should be managed in the most 

 efficient manner. A few general facts may be discussed 

 ill this connection. 



Construction of silos. — Silos that are of proper 

 construction and shape have air-tight perpendicular 

 walls and a height considerably in excess of either of 

 the horizontal dimensions. These conditions are essen- 

 tial to the completest possible exclusion of air and to 

 the closest possible packing of the material, with a 

 minimum of exposed upper surface. 



Silos may be either round, square or rectangular, 

 provided that in the latter case one horizontal dimen- 

 sion is not too greatly in excess of the other. The 

 shape of a silo which is most economical and efficient 

 i« not the same for all conditions, although the round 

 and square forms hold most in proportion to the wall 

 area. Many farmers desire to have the silo in the barn, 

 and generally there the square or rectangular form is 

 inore economical of space than a round one. When 

 built outside the barn, the round form, according to 

 the opinion of many, may be used to advantage both 

 as to expense and results. If a square or rectangular 

 silo is built the corners should be cut off inside in 

 order to prevent an access of air and the decay which 

 occurs at those points when this is not done. Several 



