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east and west, I have collated and condensed from replies 

 sent the department of agriculture and published in a special 

 pamphlet therefrom. From a great number of answers, the fol- 

 lowing facts are condensed, as bearing specifically on the various 

 questions relating to silos and ensilage in the United States: 



Where the ensilage is cut down in a vertical section for feed- 

 ing a narrow silo has the advantage of exposing little surface 

 to the air. 



The silos reported vary in capacity from 364 to 19,200 

 cubic feet. If entirely full of compressed ensilage the smallest 

 would hold 9.1 and the largest 480 tons, estimating 50 pounds 

 to the cubic foot. Practically the capacity of a silo is less to the 

 extent that the ensilage settles under pressure. This should 

 not exceed one-fourth, though in shallow silos, or those filled 

 rapidly and with little treading, it is likely to be much more, A 

 temporary curb is sometimes added to the silo proper, so that 

 the latter may be full when the settling ceases. 



For walls underground, stone, brick and concrete are used. 

 The choice in any case may safely depend on the cost. In firm 

 soils that do not become saturated with water, walls are not 

 essential to the preservation of ensilage. Above ground, two 

 thicknesses of inch boards, with sheathing paper between (the 

 latter said, by some, to be unnecessary), seem to be sufficient, if 

 supported against lateral pressure from the ensilage. 



A layer of straw or hay will serve in some measure to ex- 

 clude air, but is not necessary. Generally boards or planks are 

 placed directly on the ensilage. The cover is sometimes made 

 in sections two feet or more wide; oftener each plank is sepa- 

 rate. The cover is generaly put on transversely, having in 

 view the uncovering of a part of the silo while the weight re- 

 mains on the rest. Rough boards, with no attempt at macthing, 

 have been used successfully. A little space should be allowed 

 between the walls and cover, that there may be no interference 

 as the settling progresses. 



Any heavy material may be used. The amount required 

 depends on various conditions. It will be noticed that practices 



