102 



and chestnut. The use of the last named wood is interesting since Pennsyl- 

 vania is the only state in which this wood has been reported for tank staves. 

 It may be in the future that it will be called on more generally for this use 

 owing to its being cheaper than most other tank woods and being sufficiently 

 strong and durable. The tanners are not particular as to the kinds of woods 

 used for their tanks, durability and strength being the principal considera- 

 tions. Cypress and southern white cedar were the most prominent, the latter 

 because of durability being the best qualified. 



The silo is given a place in this industry because generally it resembles a 

 tank both when built and in its component parts and occasionally makers of 

 tank stock also manufacture silos. The processes of manufacture of both, 

 though not identical, are similar. The up-to-date farmer regards the silo 

 as an almost indispensable part of his equipment as it furnishes a means of 

 having succulent forage during the winter season. The demand for silos 

 is growing rapidly and large quantities of high grade lumber go for their 

 making. Longleaf pine, Douglas fir, cypress, red or Norway pine, and white 

 pine are the silo woods the Pennsylvania manufacturers report. White pine 

 is probably the best known, as it has been used longer than any other and is 

 the only home grown pine reported. Its high price probably accounts for its 

 use only in small quantities. Because cypress is durable in damp situations, 

 it is regarded one of the best silo materials and in some localities is pre- 

 ferred even above white pine. Next to southern white cedar it will outlast 

 any other wood for silos. Longleaf pine from the South and Douglas fir 

 from Idaho and Oregon are extensively used and are favored because staves 

 can be made from them in sufficient lengths for one piece staves. Silos of 

 this character are more easily erected than when the staves are in two or 

 three pieces. These woods do not twist or warp; they are close-grained, 

 strong, unaffected by acids or juices of the plants and are cheaper. Redwood 

 is meeting a growing demand for staves according to silo makers in other 

 states but none was used in Pennsylvania. It is claimed that redwood, next 

 to cypress, is the most durable wood, can be gotten in long lengths, is free 

 from sap and knots, is not given to check and warp, and will answer both 

 for silos in exposed situations as well as for those built into barns. 



Table 63. Wood for Tanks and Silos, year ending June, 1912. 



