THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. 323 



coarse material, which will always permit the passage of surface 

 water directly and quickly to the drain. 



No. 3 type of foundation. This type is built with a con- 

 crete footing upon which blocks are placed on end, each course 

 being filled with concrete as it is placed and another course 

 placed and filled in a similar manner. This method is continued 

 to a point at least a foot above the grade line. From this point 

 up, the blocks are laid horizontally. The advantage of this type 

 is that the possible danger from water is obviated. More ex- 

 pense and work is incurred, although no material for forms is 

 necessary. 



No. 4 type of foundation. Earth is utilized for the outer 

 form but lumber is used for the inner. By permitting this to ex- 

 tend down only to within a few inches of the bottom of the pit, 

 the footing may be permitted to widen. This is desirable as a 

 wall need never be as thick as the width of the footing. In case 

 the ground is reasonably level and firm, it will be cheaper to 

 simply dig a narrow trench and widen same at bottom to i6 

 inches. If ground is excavated next day and concrete trimmed, 

 a reasonably smooth job is insured. 



The Floor. 



Under certain conditions, the silo floor may be dispensed 

 with without interfering with the preservation of the silage. 

 Where the silo rests upon dry clay or any nonporous soil, and 

 where the foundation is deep enough to prevent undermining by 

 rats, the floor may be omitted. Usually, however, a floor is de- 

 sirable. The portion of the silo below the ground may be made 

 more nearly water tight, the floor may be thoroughly cleaned, and 

 there is no mixing of earth with the silage. A silo floor need 

 not be thick or expensive, as the weight of the silage, though 

 very great, is evenly distributed over the surface and would be 

 just as firmly supported if the floor was not used. A concrete 

 floor of the usual sidewalk construction, three to four inches in 

 thickness, will be very satisfactory. If properly graded sand and 



