92 SILOS, ENSILAGE AND SILAGE. 



to the real transformations of matter and energy in volved 

 in the process, under different conditions. In investiga- 

 tions relating to the chemistry of the silo, the biological 

 factors concerned in the metamorphoses of matter and 

 energy cannot be ignored, and any generalizations that 

 are based on inferences from Liebig's obsolete theories of 

 fermentation can only mislead, by obscuring the funda- 

 mental elements of the problems it is proposed to solve. 

 The uniformly favorable reports that have been made by 

 those who have tried the new method of filling the silo, 

 both as to the quality of the silage and the certainty and 

 uniformity of the results obtained, show that the process 

 has merits that are recognized by practical men as a 

 decided improvement on former methods. 



It has been proposed to revive the practice of M. 

 Keihlen, of harvesting the ears of corn when the crop 

 is sufficiently matured, and let them cure in the husks, 

 while the fodder is ensilaged by itself. There may be 

 advantages in particular cases that might justify the 

 expenditure of the additional labor required in this plan, 

 but as a rule it will probably be better economy to run 

 the stalks and ears together through the feed cutter and 

 ensilage the crop as a whole. 



CHAPTER IX. 



ENSILAGE AND FAKM ECONOMY, 



The advantages that may be derived from the ensilage 

 of green fodder have, undoubtedly, been exaggerated by 

 its enthusiastic advocates, and on the other hand, the 



