FARM STRUCTURES 467 



guys are more effective when extending out some distance 

 from the base of the silo. The importance of this anchoring 

 and bracing is urged upon all. 



The Roof. Every silo should have a roof: (1) It adds to 

 the appearance; (2) it strengthens and protects the staves; (3) 

 it is a big factor in preventing freezing; (4) it makes the silo a 

 pleasanter place in which to work. No attempt should be 

 made to secure ventilation; in fact, an attempt should be made 

 to retain the warm air in the silo as far as possible. Pre- 

 pared roofing of good quality makes a durable silo roof. It is 

 easily fitted to a conical form. 



The Doorway. All commercial silos at the present time 

 have a continuous doorway, across which there are no obstruc- 

 tions except the crossties. This type of doorway offers 

 certain advantages in removing the silage, and is just as 

 satisfactory in other respects as the individual doorway. In 

 selecting a silo, it is well that an examination be made of the 

 door-fasteners to see whether or not the door makes a per- 

 fectly air-tight joint with the frame. 



The Minneapolis Silo. The Minneapolis silo, or so- 

 called panel silo, is constructed of pieces of planks about 2 

 feet long, matched at the sides and beveled at the ends, set 

 into vertical studding. The whole is then bound together 

 by hoops, which require practically no adjustment, as there is 

 little shrinkage lengthwise of the grain. Defective pieces in 

 this silo may be replaced by cutting them out, driving down 

 the pieces above, and inserting new ones at the top. This 

 type of silo is very rigid and stable. 



MASONRY SILOS 



The Concrete Silo. Concrete is one of the best materials 

 for silos. It is very important to make the concrete silo wall 

 impervious to air and water. The more common method of 



