6 % ' -Concrete Silos 



(prehistoric tribes adopted similar expedients, as is 

 proven by the relics which are unearthed from time to 

 time, while some of the barbaric tribes of the present 

 day build circular bins of interwoven reeds and plaster 

 them on both sides with clay, with a thatched roof for 

 a cover. 



The following reasons for the popularity of silage 

 are given by T. E. Woodward, of the Dairy Division 

 of the U. S. Department of Agriculture : 



(1) Silage is the best and cheapest form in which 

 a succulent feed can be provided for winter use. 



(2) An acre of corn can be placed in the silo at a 

 cost not exceeding that of shocking, husking, grind- 

 ing and shredding. 



(3) Crops can be put into the silo during weather 

 that could not be utilized in making hay or curing fod- 

 der; in some localities this is an important considera- 

 tion. 



(4) A given amount of corn in the form of silage 

 will produce more milk than the same amount when 

 shocked and dried. 



(5) There is less waste in feeding silage than in 

 feeding fodder. Good silage properly fed is all con- 

 sumed. 



(6) Silage is very palatable. 



(7) Silage, like other succulent feeds, has a bene- 

 ficial effect upon the digestive organs. 



(8) More stock can be kept on a given area of 

 land when silage is the basis of the ration. 



(9) On account of the smaller cost for labor, silage 

 can be used for supplementing pastures more econom- 

 ically than can soiling crops, unless only a small 

 amount of supplementary feed is required. 



(10) Converting the corn crop into silage clears 

 the land and leaves it ready for another crop sooner 

 than if the corn is shocked and husked. 



