192 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



have already indicated, will have something to do with the foundation re- 

 quired. The need for a floor or a roof is a pertinent matter to also con- 

 sider. Where snow falls frequently in winter, then a roof of some sort 

 commends itself, while in the southern parts of the country, where snow 

 is only incidental, the roof is more unnecessary. A good, smooth bottom 

 of dirt is all that is necessary, and this year our silage rests on a dirt 

 floor, that was simply smoothed o\er with a shovel. 



Of the modern forms of silos, the stave is at present receiving the 

 most attention. If it proves itself to be a good wearer it may be the 

 favorite of the future. It has several features to commend it. Ton for 

 ton, under average conditions of cost of material and labor, it can per- 

 haps be erected as cheaply, if not more so than any other form. The sim- 

 plicity of its construction is such that it can be quickly built and very read- 

 ily repaired. A defective stave or hoop may be removed ordinarly witn 

 little trouble if the silo is empty. 



No other form of wooden silo can be repaired so easily. 



While some doubt the permanency of this silo, including Professor 

 Henry of Wisconsin, who has given much attention to silo construction, 

 it is unquestionably meeting with much popular favor, and in my experi- 

 ence, none speak more highly of it than those who have used it several 

 seasons. 



For some time of late, more or less has been written in the papers 

 on the subject of pit silos — holes in the ground. There is one serious 

 objection to a pit silo, unless in a hillside, on a level with the feeding 

 floor, and that is the lifting up from below of the silage. This involves 

 an unwarranted amount of extra labor in my judgment, if the silo has 

 a satisfactory depth, and condemns the scheme, unless in a locality where 

 wood, stone or brick make the cost excessive., where these materials are 

 used. Not only this, but the accumulation of poisonous gas has seemed 

 to occur in pits as in no other form, thereby involving danger in their 

 use. 



Among the more recent methods for the preparation of silage, that of 

 shredding most commends itself to our attention. To begin with, shred- 



