300 Hie Silo and Silage-stack Competition, 1885-86. 
Mr. Collingwood has a well constructed receptacle ; and Mr. 
Earle has a cheap and effective one of wood. 
The Final Inspection "axd Adjudication. By Tom Paery. 
(A.) Selected Silos. 
Mr. John Morris, Lulham Court, Herefordshire. — This silo 
is substantially built, and the cost is moderate, being only 14s. 
per 50 cubic feet of capacity.* The ratio of surface-exposure to 
the bulk of fodder is somewhat high, owing to the very moderate 
depth of 13 feet. The arrangements for filling and emptying 
the silo are skilfully designed, for they secure economy of labour. 
But the system of pressing the fodder is not altogether satis- 
factory, as with the gradual shrinking of the fodder during the 
progress of fermentation, the pressure cannot be continuous, 
without being constantly attended to. This is one of the defects 
of most mechanical pressures. The appearance of the silage 
during the preliminary inspection will be found in Professor 
Long's Report. Dr. Voelcker found the samples taken during 
the final inspection to be sweet. The second inspection also 
discovered considerable waste at the sides and the angles, 
owing to the half-dried condition of the cement-lining of the 
silo walls at the time the fodder was pitted. It was found, 
however, that the fodder curved upwards in contact with the 
sides, showing deficient pressing at those points. The utilisation 
of this silage was well managed. 
2. Mr. T. Kirby, Hook Farm, Bromley. — This silo is well- 
designed, and very substantially built, at the very moderate cost 
of 95. per 50 cubic feet of capacity. The ratio of surface ex- 
posure to the bulk of fodder is very low, owing to the great depth 
of about 20 feet. The arrangements for filling are very good, 
but the arrangement for emptying is only fair.f It is to be 
expected that in a deep silo, filled rapidly, and thoroughly 
trodden, the silage would be acid. Mr. Kirby is of opinion 
that this acidity favours the purpose he has in view, namely to 
force the utmost amount of milk from the herd of about 130 
cows, which he constantly feeds. It is impossible not to admire 
the effective and economical management at this farm. The 
feeding is very economical, and the skilful management of 
labour is equally effective. 
3. Mr. W. J. Harris, Halwill Manor, Devonshire. — This silo 
may be termed a compound one, the iron roof being built so 
high, that it affords shelter for both corn-stacks and sheep. 
* Fc r details see pp. 271-275. 
t For details see pp. 264-266. 
