160 FEEDING WITH SUGAR BEETS, SUGAR, ETC. 



mass of matter beneath. The slanting sides above ground 

 should be gradually covered with earth, the latter being beaten 

 down with care. After an interval of several days, this outer 

 covering being welF settled, another layer of clay is added under 

 the same conditions. 



Various coverings for the top have been suggested, such as 

 defecated scums, ashes, etc., but earth seems to be the best of all. 

 If proper attention be not given to the question of covering, 

 putrefaction will continue from the surface to a depth of two 

 feet during a severe winter; but if properly coveied, the pulp 

 may be found in an excellent condition two inches from the 

 surface. It is to be regretted that some of our farmers have used 

 straw instead of earth; this is the very worst material they 

 could select for the purpose. Heavy weights on the top have 

 some advantage, but the best of all, as before mentioned, is 

 earth; this can be several feet in thickness, and its weight upon 

 the pulp will be all that is desired. 



Experience has shown that when the silos slant from bottom 

 to top, considerable advantages are found as far as the keeping 

 qualities of the residuum are concerned. Silos when filled 

 settle about 10 per cent. , and it is to be noted that the settling 

 has considerable importance, for the simple reason that a given 

 volume of the product, before and after, means an economy as 

 regards the cubical contents of the silos. 



It is very advisable, in order to obtain the best results in cos- 

 sette keeping, especially during the period when they are 

 withdrawn from the silos, to sub-divide the various chambers in 

 which the product is kept into several compartments. These 

 separations are made at different points in the direction of the 

 least dimension by suitable walls of stone or earth, in such a way 

 that even when one of these divisions is entirely open it in no 

 way interferes with the adjoining one. Under these circum- 

 stances it is possible to arrange so that the supply for the day 

 may be sufficient to meet any possible emergency, and in no 

 way have an influence, as far as atmospheric action is con- 

 cerned, upon the product being kept in the adjoining section. 

 Transformation If one leaves fresh cossettes exposed to the air there follows a 

 during siloing, putrefaction after a very short time. Notwithstanding this 



