386 Notes on the Composition of some Samples of Silage. 
"What quantity we had in the silo on opening is a matter of conjecture- 
I should think close on 25 tons. A cubit foot weighs 46 lbs. 
(Signed) " Fkederic W. Earle." 
Composition of Silage fbom Mr. Earle's Silo. 
In Sample 
dried at 
212° F. 
78-10 
1-46 
6^66 
1-14 
5-20 
1-72 
7^85 
o'65 
25 80 
1-43 
6^53 
8-05 
36 •76 
1-35 
617 
1-10 
5-03 
100 00 
100 00 
•18 
•82 
•23 
1 05 
-.33 
Water and volatile matters 
Fatty matter and chlorophyll (ether cxtiact) 
♦Soluble albuminous compoimds 
Mucilage, sugar, and extractive matters 
Digestible fibre 
flnsoluble albuminous compounds 
Indigestible woody fibre (cellulose) 
Soluble mineral matters 
Insoluble mineral matters 
* Containing nitrogen 
t Containing nitrogen 
Acidity calculated as acetic acid 
An examination of the above figures shows that a smaller 
percentage of the albuminous compounds has been rendered 
soluble by the fermentative changes which have taken place at 
Hajton during the process of ensilage than at Tatton Park ; and, 
as far as can be determined without an analysis of the original 
grass, it would appear that the composition of the silage 
approaches more nearly to that of the grass than any of the 
other samples which I have examined. Whether this has been 
brought about by the peculiar condition of the grass at the 
time of pitting, and by the shorter time occupied by the process 
of ensilage, or by the special form of the silo, it would be 
impossible to determine from the data in my possession. There 
can be no doubt, however, that the silage was in good condition, 
and was free from excess of acidity, when it was submitted 
to me for analysis. No determination was made of the per- 
centage of alcohol present — if any. 
The comparatively large percentage of water in the silage 
shows clearly that the process of ensilage may be conducted 
successfully even with wet substances, provided the requisite 
conditions be duly observed. 
The sample was taken from the silo on March 25th, 1884, 
and the analysis commenced a few hours afterwards. 
