20 



equidistant from each other, are erected on or 2 inches outside the circle 

 traced on the cement. If set on the circle they will take the place of staves, 

 and will in either case serve instead of clips or lugs for the hoops. Four 

 other temporary posts of 2- by 4-iuch material will be necessary, as indicated 

 in figure. 



As the erection of staves proceeds, carefully plumb them in both direc- 

 tions, and nail each to its neighbour through the holes bored for this purpose. 



HOOPS. 



Round hoops made from %-inch iron or steel rods are commonly used. 

 When the posts are made use of for joining the hoops, each hoop is composed 

 of two, three, or four sections threaded for several inches at both ends for 

 the nuts and washers. Joining by means of lugs or clips, as in Figs. l.TandlG, 

 is to be preferred to the post method, and in this case a hoop continuous 

 around the silo is employed. Place two hoops below the lowest door, the 

 first close to the bottom, the second IS inches or so above. Gradually increase 



(Fig. 15.) Lug for hoops. 



the space between them until it amounts to about 3% feet at the top. Staples 

 should be driven over each hoop at intervals, to hold it in position if it 

 becomes loose. Let each stave be so attached to at least two hoops. The 

 hoops must be drawn tight enough before filling to close up the spaces between 



(Pig. 16.) Clip for hoops. 



the staves, and prevent foreign matter entering, but not perfectly tight. 

 Watch closely for a few days after filling, and if the strain becomes intense, 

 loosen slightly. 



ROOF. 



When the silo is built outside it is well to roof it. Bracing the silo by 

 means of guy-wires will make it secure in windy weather. 



CUTTING AND DRAWING IN THE CORN. 



For cutting the corn, the hook in Fig. 17 will be found very convenient. 

 When drawing in. a low platform wagon is useful. The illustrations given 

 in Fig. 18 show how it is constructed. 



FILLING THE SILO. 



When filling the silo, it is recommended to have the material, as it falls 

 from the carrier or blower, descend through a tube made of sacks with the 

 bottoms out. This allows a more thorough mixing of stems and leaves than 

 when other means are used to keep the surface level. Fill the silo, packing 

 the silage evenly in all parts, allow the mass to settle, then fill again, and 



