THE CONSTRUCTION OF MODERN SILOS 775 



the silo usually takes the same shape as the main building, 

 and is placed in the centre, where it occupies a convenient 

 position from which to feed the various animals stalled around 

 the building. A circular silo may be situated at a corner of 

 the main building, where it not only proves a useful adjunct 

 but also forms a very pleasing feature. A convenient arrange- 

 ment is to have the doors of the silo opening into a passage- 

 way, or into the feed store or mixing room, which usually 

 occupies a central position. A saving in the cost of erection 



CHAP. 



XVI. 



Fig. 243. — Filling square stone-silo, Irene, Transvaal. 



can often be effected by utilizing one or more of the walls 

 of the main building in the construction of the silo. 



748. Materials. — The material to be used in the construc- 

 tion of a silo would probably be decided by local conditions. 

 That most readily obtained in the locality in which the silo is 

 to be built would naturally be chosen, provided it fulfils the 

 conditions required for a good silo. Metal has been tried in 

 some countries, but has not been found satisfactory, on account 

 of the initial cost and the readiness with which it yields to the 

 corroding action of the silage juices. In America wood has 



