CORRESPONDENCE OF JACOB PUGSLEY. 97 



good hay, including in expenses all labor and interest on land. Good 

 hay cannot be produced at less than twelve dollars per ton, and I think 

 ensilage can be as easily furnished at two dollars. 



My milk is sold to a condensing factory : the inspector could not 

 detect any marked difference between that made on ensilage and that 

 made from hay. 



The difference in cost of feeding on ensilage or on hay would not 

 be important, probably rather in favor of ensilage, if stables and 

 silos were properly arranged. 



Nearly all my cows ate the ensilage at the first feeding, and all of 

 them after the second or third ration. 



I have no sheep. 



I am convinced that we shall soon be feeding our cattle upon ensi- 

 lage in the summer, as well as in winter, though I have never prac- 

 tised soiling. 



After weighing my feed with some care, I am satisfied that fifty- 

 five pounds per day of ensilage, with eight pounds of grain, is a full 

 feeding for a cow of ordinary size, giving not more than ten quarts 

 of milk per day. Heavier milkers should have more grain, which 

 should not be corn, but oats, bran, linseed or cotton-seed meals. 

 This refers to corn ensilage ; probably clover, rye, or millet would 

 take much less of both grain and ensilage. 



I do not see any marked difference in the appearance of cattle fed 

 on hay or on ensilage. I think the chief points for most farmers 

 to bear in mind in going into this system are : First, good walls to 

 the silo. Any farmer can make these by getting clean sand and good 

 cement, and following the directions given for mixing and laying 

 walls ; and this should be done in the spring, so as to allow plenty of 

 time for the walls to harden, before any strain is put on them. Sec- 

 ond, cutting the ensilage short. I think a very large cutter, and 

 steam-power for driving it, will be found best and cheapest in the 

 end. Small farmers could combine to purchase these, and also in 

 the labor of filling their silos. Third, quick filling of silos, not more 

 than three days at most. 



Indeed, wherever practicable, I should advise that the silo be filled, 

 and the stone put on, in one day, even at some extra expense. This 

 point is not insisted upon by writers on the subject, but I shall need 

 considerable experience to convince me that it is not a very important 

 matter. Fourth, heavy pressure, not less than one foot of stone and 

 more, if possible, should be placed on the ensilage, instantly after 



