62 SILOS, ENSILAGE A^D SILAGE. 



depend -upon the conidtions under which the heat is 

 applied. 



From this outline of our present knowledge relating 

 to the subject, it must be seen that the micro-organisms 

 of fermentation and putrefaction cannot be overlooked 

 in discussing the practical principles that must guide us 

 in the ensilage of green fodder, and that generalizations 

 based on observations in which their activities are 

 ignored cannot safely be made. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE SILO. 



A silo is, in effect, a tight box or chamber, in which 

 green fodder may be stored and preserved. The sides 

 must be smooth and vertical, so that the silage may set- 

 tle uniformly and freely, and the bottom should be 

 water-tight and without drainage. It may be made of 

 any form, provided these essentials are secured, but, 

 taking everything into consideration, the rectangle will 

 be found most satisfactory for the ground plan. 



MATERIALS. 



Massive and expensive silos of masonry have been 

 made by the followers of M. Goffart, and it has been 

 claimed that they were essential to the successful ensi- 

 lage of green fodder. Others ha\e recommended con- 

 crete as the best material that can be used in their con- 

 struction. The only valid argument that can be urged 



