THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. 265 



torn 18 inches. This shows conclusively that the concrete was 

 not at fault and this instance cannot be used as an argument 

 against the concrete silo. If the silo is filled with corn that 

 is properly matured, the above conditions cannot occur. 



Another concrete silo was found which was giving only par- 

 tial satisfaction. The wall was very soft and crumbly, due to 

 the poor quality of the sand and gravel used, which contained 

 a considerable amount of clay. The mixture used was one 

 part of cement to seven of gravel, which was not sufficient 

 cement. Another interesting mistake was in the reinforce- 

 ment, consisting of j^-inch cables which had been wound 

 around a drum and took a spiral form when placed in the 

 wall. When the tension came on the cable due to the pres- 

 sure of the silage, they straightened, pushing slabs off the side 

 of the wall. To avoid such results, the reinforcement should 

 conform as nearly as possible to the circle of the silo. 



Anchoring Silos. 



Stave silos or those of light construction, if located so as 

 to be exposed to the force of high winds, should be anchored 

 securely. Silos may be anchored by rods bolted to the lower part 

 of the silo and extending into the foundation. Another more 

 satisfactory way to anchor is by the use of guy wires. 



Some manufacturers advise that these extend from 

 the top of the silo to the foundation, but it seems preferable to 

 attach the guy wires to an adjoining building or to posts some 

 distance from the silo. These guy wires should be so pro- 

 tected that stock cannot run into them. 



The Foundation. 



The foundation of any permanent building should be con- 

 structed of durable material, should be of sufficient size to 

 carry the weight of the building, and should extend below the 

 frost line. The merits of stone and concrete for a foundation 

 are so well and favorably known that no general discussion 

 of these materials is deemed necessary. Cement mortar rather 



