THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



be so bad but that cattle or hogs will eat it up 

 nearly clean, but it is at best very poor food, 

 and should not be used by any farmer who 

 cares for the quality of his products. The 

 wet or green materials are better for cover 

 than dry substances, since they prevent evapo- 

 ration of water from the top layer. When 

 this is dry, air will be admitted to the fodder 

 below, thus making it possible for putrefac- 

 tive bacteria and molds to continue the de- 

 structive work begun by the fermentation bac- 

 teria, and causing more of the silage to spoil. 



There is only one way in which all of the 

 silage can be preserved intact, viz., by begin- 

 ning to feed the silage within a few days after 

 the silo has been filled. This method is now 

 practised by many farmers, especially dairy- 

 men, who, in this manner, supplement scant 

 fall pastures. 



By beginning to feed at once from the silo, 

 the siloing system is brought to perfection, 

 provided the silo structure is air-tight, and 

 constructed so as to admit of no unnecessary 



110 



