Experiment Station Report. 39 



grass" between the 7th and 30th of June, the tempeiature 

 at the time of covering was 132°, at a depth of six feet from 

 the surface. The cover was weighted with twelve inches of 

 sand. 



On July 11th, and again on the 17th, the cover was taken 

 off and the silo was filled with " meadow grass " to make up 

 for the loss in settling. 



The temperature observed at these dates was 140° at a 

 depth of six feet from the surface. 



In another silo, filled with "clover and rye grass" and 

 " meadow grass " between June 30th and July 11th, when 

 the cover was put on and weighted, the temperature ob- 

 served was— July 7th, 149°, and July 14th, 158°. The first- 

 mentioned silo was opened October 25, and the ensilage is 

 described as "of a brown color, and of a sweet, luscious 

 oAov, free from acidity, xevy much resembling that of ordi- 

 nary hay." Cattle, sheep, and horses ate it at once with 

 apparent relish. 



These experiments seem to prove that a temperature suffi- 

 ciently high to kill the bacteria and put a stop to fermen- 

 tation can be readily obtained in the process of filling the 

 silo. 



Experiments are now needed to determine the precise 

 temperature required and the most favorable conditions for 

 securing it with different articles of food. 



Ensilage in the Silo. 



To carr}'^ on the experiments now in progress, the ensilage 

 in the experimental silo should not be fed out until some 

 time in March. 



Additional facilities will be required to complete the inves- 

 tigations that are now in progress. An appropriation of 

 $100.00 will be sufficient to provide the necessary outfit. 



An engine is very much needed to furnish power for cut- 

 ting fodder, and for other purposes, — a suitable one, with 

 the necessary shafting and belting, may be procured at a 

 cost not exceeding $500. 



Amherst, Mass., Dec. 24, 1883. 



