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should be properly " cultivated," left to grow 'until the sap in the 

 stalk reaches the gummy state, near the time of glazing of the 

 ears when the whole plant has its greatest feeding value. But 

 one must endeavor to keep ahead of Jack Frost, which last cal- 

 culation will suggest the forethought of early planting — as soon 

 as practicable after putting in the field corn seed. Prof. H. found 

 cost of filling 90 cents per ton — whole costless than $2. 



As to the silo itself its construction has been growing sim- 

 pler from the time of its introduction. It is only necessary that 

 it be strong enough to bear the pressure of its contents without 

 opening joints and admitting air; that it be air-tight everywhere 

 except at the top and water-tight for keeping water out, but not 

 for keeping it in, for if necessary to secure this last, a drain may 

 be required. 



The floor of the silo should, if possible, be level with the 

 feeding floor of the stable, for convenience and economy in 

 handling and feeding. There should be but one door and this 

 is best made with separate pieces of board to slip into grooves 

 lik an ice house door-way. Silos have been built of stone, of 

 brick, and of concrete, but wood is the best, because it is as 

 good as any and cheapest. A stiff frame lined with a single 

 thickness of matched flooring is all that is needed to meet all 

 requirements. The cost should not be over $2.50 per ton 

 capacity. Having your silo, and the crop being ready for hous- 

 ing, it may be cut in the field by hand or by a short reaper; 

 drawn near to the silo on a low, long wagon frame to the cutter. 

 The power for cutting may be steam or horse pow T er. Many 

 who formerly used steam, thinking it necessary to fill their 

 silos rapidly, now prefer to fill them slowly and therefore use a 

 one-horse tread-power, changing the horse occasionally to the 

 wagon. Slow filling allows the great heat generated by fermen- 

 tation to pass away, giving what is called sweet ensilage, which 

 is preferable to the more acid form. 



The filled silo is usually covered with some material to ex- 

 clude air from the surface, and many persons put considerable 

 weight over the ensilage. Thus some use building paper, 





