at Home and Abroad. 
157 
tial oils. This smell was entirely absent from the hay, and this difference 
will form one reason why the silage is so liked by the cattle. The 
analyses show, however, that besides this a change is produced in the silo, 
due in great measure, no doubt, to the partial fermentation, which is set up 
there, and which beneficially affects the food-value of the product as compared 
with hay. This change results in, — 
" 1. An increase in the amount of soluble albuminoid substances, or flesh- 
forming compounds. 
" 2. A decrease in the amount of indigestible woody fibre, which of course 
means an increase in the total amount of digestible matter as compared 
with hay. 
" The liquid which drained from the silage was glutinous, slightly acid, 
and possessed a smell of essential oils, like the silage did. It may be 
mixed with food or drink for cattle or calves. 
(Signed) "Ealph Betley." 
It is evident from the results already ascertained that the produce of ar» 
acre of clover and rye-grass converted into silage will considerably exceed 
in value that which the same produce would if converted into hay. The 
system deserves the attention of the agriculturists of the United Kingdom. — 
November 2Qth, 1883. 
13. Mr. William Wood, Clifton, York. — Each silo is 11 feet deep, 10 feet 
wide, and 15 feet long ; they are both entirely below the level of the soil, 
and are built of concrete, and have a roof. The two cost 100?., and I hope 
they will last a lifetime. They were filled in in July and October with 
grass and second crop of clover. I should think that when the crops are 
ripe would be the best time to pit them. They were put in whole, with 
a little salt, but I shall not do so next time. Each silo is filled at one time. 
The material is covered with boards and bricks, and when put in weighe(J 
about 40 tons. I should say it has not lost much. The labour alone cost 
34s. an acre. It was a mile and a quarter to carry. The cost of emptying 
the silo is about 2s. a ton ; we cut it vertically. By this process I obtain 
good fodder, and cheaper than buying turnips. With regard to the influence 
of moisture, I say put the crops in during dry weather ; and the faster the 
fodder is used the better, the air being the great enemy. As to my ex- 
perience, I can only say that we give our stock along with it both hay, cake, 
and bean-meal ; but I don't want to teach yet. — February 6th, 1884. 
These silos are very practically and substantially made, and 
the roof being 12 feet above the upper margin of the silos, the 
intermediate space can be used for storing hay, straw, «Scc. 
This roof contributed to the total cost of the silos as stated by 
Mr. Wood. I visited the silo on January 25th, and saw a 
complete face of the pitted fodder in one of the silos. Its 
quality was very good. The other silo had been emptied. 
Like some other suburban dairy-farmers, Mr. Wood is hopeful 
that the system of ensilage will relieve him from the necessity 
of buying roots for winter use at prices beyond their feeding 
value. 
13a. Mr. Oeorge Broderich, Hawes, Yorkshire. — I have two silos, each 
14 feet square by 18 feet deep ; one 22 feet 6 inches long, 10 feet wide and 
I 
