80 II. E. STEVENS ON ENSILAGE. 



running crosswise ; and, to press the air out, tons of stone were placed 

 upon the planks. The fodder had settled two feet. When the 

 planks were removed, a vinous or alcoholic odor arose. The surface 

 was found to be spoiled to the depth of about two inches. When 

 this was removed, the fodder was found to be sweet and nice ; and a 

 veiy pleasant odor saluted one. The fodder was warm, not too much 

 so, and seemed to preserve the same temperature as far down as we 

 could penetrate. 



" The only thing which disappointed us was in the color of the 

 fodder. We had vaguely supposed it would preserve its green color ; 

 but, where we got the idea, we do not know. The ensilage, however, 

 is not green, but of a light brown or dark straw color. This is all 

 proper, we believe. 



" Mr. Buckley had given his cattle their usual supply of hay in the 

 morning. When the silo was opened, the cattle were fed the ensi- 

 lage. Nearl}* all of them ate it with evident relish at once, Mr. 

 Buckley said ; and all ate it in time. When we yisited the stables 

 the cows had eaten all the better part of the ensilage, in fact, all 

 except the spoiled coating before alluded to ; and they were licking 

 the floor where it had lain. We threw some of it to them, and they 

 ate it eagerly. 



" The opening of this silo convinces us that the proper way to 

 preserve fodder for cows, horses, sheep, and all farm-stock, is in the 

 form of ensilage. The nutritious qualities of all green food are pre- 

 served unimpaired, and it is relished by the cattle. For these rea- 

 sons it makes a superior fodder. Added to this is the fact, that it 

 ' goes farther ' than all other foods furnished, and enables the farmer 

 to keep at least one cow to every acre of land, and do it nicely and 

 advantageously. 



" He will next summer build two more silos, and let ensilage be 

 the main fodder for his stock. We think it must in time become the 

 most economical way of keeping stock. Are well pleased with it. 

 Put eight cows on it for eight days, fed them their usual allowance 

 of feed and turnips the same as we fed with hay ; and at the end 

 of the eighth day, the cows had increased one and a half quarts a 

 day each." 



Yours truly, 



BUCKLEY BROTHERS. 



