The Silo and Silage-stack Competition, 1885-86. 285 
the time of moving. This contrivance is similar to that used in granite 
quarries, and can be fixed and removed in a moment, a single tap releasing it. 
Over the top of the silo two rails are fixed, these running upon a pair of 
wheels at each end, a stage being erected at the outside for the purpose. On 
these rails an ingenious trolley-puUej' runs, and this, being placed with ease 
over any portion of the silo, lifts the huge blocks, and drops them either in 
the adjoining silo or outside with the greatest facility. The rails are upon 
two plain oaken beams, 11 inches by 4 inches by 38 feet long. One end rests 
upon a rail attached to the wall of the silo, and the other on a similar rail 
upon the stage referred to. The man employed in hauhng, with this appli- 
ance can lift half a ton, and there is no possible danger from the stone falling 
or slipping, as a ratchet is provided at one end, and a brake at the other. The 
granite used cost Is. 6d. per ton at the quarry. The total cost of the silo and 
weighting apparatus was 811., the proportion paid for the tram-rollers, pulley- 
trolley, and weights, being 2~l. 2s. od. ; and for the roof, which is of oak, at Is. 
per cube, covered with galvanised iron, and provided with a lead-gutter, 
14?. 17s. 7(7. The maker of the trolley is Mr. Isaac Eosekilly, of Gunnis 
Lake. The silage made from unchafftd seeds of the first year included clover, 
rye-grass, cocksfoot, and timothj% which would have made 35 cwt. of hay per 
acre, whereas the trifolium and Italian rye-grass were estimated at from 19 to 
20 tons per acre. They were put in during fine weather, filled at three separate 
periods, and came out tolerably dry, fairly sweet, and good ; except that the silage 
failed in the corners and near the walls, as in other instances. Where stone, 
or any weighting material difiicult to move, can be obtained at a low price, 
the apparatus referred to above should claim close attention, inasmuch as it is 
extremely simple, and as effective as it is possible for a lifting apparatus 
to be. 
Mr. Martin's Silo. — The silo entered for competition by Mr. Thomas 
Martin, of Eope Walk Farm, St. Agnes, Cornwall, was one of the best in the 
western district, and is very distinctly superior to some of those which were 
left for a second inspection. There are two features which merit special con- 
sideration, inasmuch as they are so practical and economical as to deserve 
imitation by farmers desiring to make silage with as little trouble and expense 
as possible. The silo is a building erect d from stone raised upon the farm, 
and leaning against a granary and cattle-shed. It is 30 feet long by 12 feet 
wide, and 10 feet 6 inches deep, being sunk 3 feet into the ground. In one 
corner at the top is an entrance from the granary, and in the yard outside is 
a door in the end, which is blocked up with wood and a large sheet of gal- 
vanised iron. The floor is of concrete, and the 18-inch walls are well cemented. 
Thus it is a perfectly plain, well-built apartment. The lean-to roof, however, 
is made to lift up. It is of galvanised iron, and divided into two portions. 
The top back portion, 4 feet in depth, is fixed, but the front portion is hinged 
to cross-pieces bolted to the rafters. The rafters, which are 5 feet apart, are 
7 by 2 J, and let into the wall of the old building, and lay upon a wooden 
plate on the front wall of the silo. When in process of filling, the roof is lifted 
up and kept in position by props resting on the wall, which are fixed, and 
prevented from slipping by a bolt and button. The silo is then filled by 
waggons drawn up by its side. When closed, it is firmly fastened dowTi by 
chains affixed to eyes within. The roof, when propped up, is 5 feet above 
the wall, thus giving ample space, and it was 7 feet above the silage when 
inspected. The only feature which might be improved is with regard to the 
difficulty in treading close to the outside wall, as, although the roof is lifted, 
the rafters remain fixed, and thus prevent the treading being so perfect as 
could be wished. Mr. Martin, however, considers that in practice this is not 
so great a difiiculty where earth is used. The silage is covered with 2-inch 
planks, cut in 6-feet lengths, and laid crossways ; but near the door, where the 
