BALING HAY. aT 
price of hay at Nome, in Alaska, was 7 cents per pound, even when 
double compressed. 
Baled hay for export to Alaska, Hawaii, the Philippines, and 
other trans-oceanic points is compressed by the process known as 
‘*double compression.” By means of powerful machines operated by 
electricity or hydraulic power, the hay, obtained by loosening ordi- 
nary baled hay, is compressed into square or cylindrical packages 
smaller and more compact than the ordinary bale. The hydraulic 
presses used for making the so-called round bales are similar to those 
used for making the cylindrical bales of cotton. The measurements 
of the different types of double-compressed bales are about as follows: 
Ordinary square bale, 15 by 18 by 38 inches; weight, 160 pounds. 
Square bale for Alaskan trade, 14 by 18 by 26 inches; weight, 100 
pounds. 
Round bale, 2 feet in diameter, 24 inches long; weight, 145 pounds, 
or 36 inches long, weight, 260 pounds. 
The saving of space in transit may best be understood by comparing 
the weight and cubic contents of baled and compressed hay. The 
ordinary baled hay occupies 140 to 160 cubic feet per ton; the square 
double-compressed, 85 feet per ton; the round bales, 55 feet per ton. 
The hay used for this process is almost exclusively timothy. The 
firm of Lilly, Bogardus & Company, Seattle, Wash., from whom much 
of the information concerning double-compressed bales was obtained, 
states that the timothy from the Ellensburg district, Wash., is much 
preferred on account of the fresh green color. A good quality is also 
obtained from the Spokane and Ceeur d’Alene districts. On account of 
the damp weather, timothy from west Washington is not so satisfac- 
tory in appearance. There is some demand for clover hay in Alaska, 
and much grain hay is shipped to Honolulu. There is also a small 
but increasing demand for alfalfa hay for export. 
