286 Experiments in Mulanrj Ensilage during Wet Season of 1888 
4. Temperature was generally controlled, but was often very 
liigli, nearer 160° than 120° Falir. From divergent registers, 
however, the product was nearly always fairly satisfactory. 
5. Most of the experimenters express confidence in the 
means they employed, and any modifications they propose are 
trivial. In the case of Pearson's Roller System, further pressure 
from dead weights is sometimes advised. 
6. In most cases correspondents have expressed themselves 
decisively to the effect that they found their crops effectually 
preserved so as to become good food for stock. The outside 
waste, however, was often considerable — 6 to 18 inches; but of 
this damaged bulk a large proportion was eatable when shaken 
out in the stock-yards or meadows. 
7. A large majority of those who tried to make ensilage 
stacks last season report that they intend to continue the prac- 
tice in the future. 
From the results shown in several reports, farmers may well 
follow the advice given by Dr. Voelcker in his recent lecture to 
the Kendal Farmers' Club : " not to place too much importance 
upon the matter of making ensilage sour or sweet. This must 
be made altogether subservient to the general circumstances of 
the case." It has been found a tiresome matter — where the candle 
costs more than the game is worth — to watch, wait, test, and 
control the temperature. Good ensilage is of a neutral character, 
neither sour nor sweet to any extent. In large silos, as in large 
stacks, are strata of sweet and sour, both good — as is the case 
in the large silo of Visct. Arthur de Chezelles, where the prac- 
tice is to go on filling as opportunity suits: Probably the 
trouble of making ensilage is trebled the moment special ends 
are sought. The waiting intervals for the temperature to get a 
certain height are almost as vexatious and costly in loss of time 
as waiting for the sun to shine in showery or rainy weather to make 
hay. The effect of pressure in all cases is to lower the tempera- 
ture, which can be ascertained by the insertion of jointed iron 
rods — of various lengths — to which is attached a registering 
thermometer. Messrs. Vipan & Headly, of Leicester, have a good 
model with an augur-screw at the end ; and Messrs. Dollond, of 
London, are also introducing one this season at a veiy small 
cost (12s. Gd.) ; whilst ordinary gas-piping with a thermometer 
inclosed may serve, and be made by the farmer, though he would 
save very little money by so doing. 
The lessons taught by the reports kindly placed at ray 
disposal by correspondents are definite, and may be briefly 
summarised. 
The green crops of the country, taken at their best stage of 
