ENSILING CORN 159 
of water is in softening the tissues, and in aiding 
it to pack more closely. This method is often used, 
however, and, if the conditions in other respects 
are favorable, good silage results. 
Frosts often come earlier than usual, and the 
corn is frozen before it can be ensiled. When this 
happens, it is best to cut the corn as soon as pos- 
sible thereafter, and before the leaves are entirely 
dry, cutting in rather large heaps, so that it will 
not dry out too rapidly in the field. By,care in 
these respects, frozen corn can be fully utilized 
for silage. 
Storage in the silo 
In the ensiling of corn, great progress has 
been made, chiefly in the form and construction of 
the silo. It has been demonstrated that the one 
crucial point in the saving of corn in a silo, is that 
the product shall be put in a building or receptacle 
that is practically air-tight. A round structure is 
more easily made tight and it presents the least 
friction against proper settling and packing. It 
may be made of staves, or frame, or brick, or 
stone, or of any material that will accomplish the 
purpose, namely, the prevention of the access of 
air. Square silos cannot be so tightly constructed, 
and the penetration of air when the silo is open is 
greater. It is impossible to pack closely in the 
corners. 
