SB 
 
LIBRARY OF CfiNGRESS, 
 
 Chap....5.:^opyriglit No. 
 
 Shelf. 
 
 .jISJ I 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
l^oss 
 
 ^f\)^ 
 
 T)sila5e 
 
 \m S 1895 
 
 I39i. 
 
 ook. 
 
ROSS 
 
 ENSILAGE 5OOK, 
 
 CONTAINING PRACTICAL AND /Jjo' ^^ ^^^^JjS 
 
 USEFUL INFORMATION ON A^ £^^^5^^^- '^'^ 
 
 AUG 5 1189f 
 
 Ensilage and Silos! '^V 
 
 PUBLISHEDyBY 
 
 The E. W. I^oss Co. 
 
 h 
 SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, 
 
 189 5. 
 
 (Copyrighted l.>*9r) by The E. W. Ross Co.) 
 
To Our Friends and Patrons. 
 
 WE have been solicited to put out a book on Ensilage 
 that will be more complete in detail and give plainer 
 and more definite information regarding ensilage and 
 silos than anything that has ever been put on the market. 
 We are always ready to respond to such calls, but it is with 
 a good deal of apprehension that we undertake the work. 
 We have a good man}^ agents who are selling our goods in 
 territory where there is comparatively no ensilage used and 
 very few silos built. They want a book giving details, with- 
 out too much description, so that farmers can go to work 
 readily and understandingly, and build their silos and put 
 in their ensilage in the proper way. Most books on this 
 subject are too elaborate; they give a good deal of informa- 
 tion that is not necessary, and a good many details that they 
 should give are left out. We fully realize the fact that farm- 
 ers must have explicit directions for building silos, especially 
 in territor}^ where no silos have been built, and they know 
 little or nothing about the details or arrangements of them. 
 A good many farmers have had our book on ensilage, which 
 we have considered very complete, but they write us a great 
 many letters asking questions that should have been taken 
 care of in our book. When we issued our last book on en- 
 silage we considered that if we got the details and letters 
 from farmers direct, we w^ould have the matter in just the 
 right shape for farmers to get the information they needed ; 
 but it is a prett}^ hard matter to write or describe these de- 
 tails so that everybody will find the information that they 
 want. Taking up the subject of ensilage, w^e find that there 
 
 -v>A 
 
 J 
 
 .V- 
 
^ are thousands of farmers throughout the United States, who 
 '^ have not the least idea what ensilage is. They do not know 
 wi that there has ever been such a food put up or used, and 
 ^' these same farmers stand just as much in need of this food 
 for their stock as people who are using the most. We find 
 another class of people who have heard and read a good deal 
 about it, but do not believe it is a success. They think that 
 it is but an experiment. We have letters every day from 
 farmers saying that if they were sure that ensilage would be 
 a success, or if it had been tested so that they could believe 
 it was a success, they would put in a silo. Others write us 
 * that some one man perhaps is going to put in a silo, and 
 want us to furnish machinery, and help them all we can, so 
 that it can be demonstrated and tested. All of these points are 
 interesting to most farmers, and we give them in our book 
 to show the farmers throughout the country that their 
 brother workers are not up with the times, and that there 
 can be a good deal of work done among them to help im- 
 prove their situations and bring them up to the times in 
 modern farming. We want to carry out our first idea in 
 this book — make it short, but interesting and valuable, and 
 will therefore go more particularly into the construction of 
 silos and the use of ensilage. We shall write a good many 
 things in this book that will not be of any value whatever 
 to people who have used ensilage or know anything about 
 it, but we shall endeavor to reach more particularly the 
 farmers who are interested, but know nothing comparatively 
 about the system. We shall publish a few of our best letters 
 from users of ensilage, showing what the results have been, 
 and these letters we will assure our friends can be relied 
 upon. Corn ensilage is the best of all in most sections ot 
 the country. In the South they use pea vines and maize, 
 and clover to some extent, but all through the Eastern and 
 Middle States corn ensilage is universal. Corn should be 
 allowed to stand until the ears are in the roasting state and 
 the kernels glazed. At one time it was considered best to 
 have the corn cut in the green state, just as the ear was 
 forming, but we find now that the best results are obtained 
 
from ensilage that has reached that state of maturity where 
 the ears become glazed. The stalks are then run through 
 the feed cutter, cutting up the stalks, ears and all. A 
 good man}^, however, have taken the ears off and used the 
 stalks only. Most of our friends use regular ensilage corn, 
 as they get a larger tonnage to the acre, and they think get 
 better results. The corn is planted in rows, cultivated both 
 wa3^s. However, a good many think the}^ get better results 
 by drilling their corn, cultivating one way. We have a good 
 many customers that use common corn, but it is a question 
 in our minds whether the}^ get the amount that the3^ ought 
 to or do as well as the}^ would to use the regular fodder corn, 
 getting the height and making a large yield. 
 
 SI LOS. 
 
 The best and most satisfactory place to build a silo is in 
 the bay of a barn and in a corner, using the wall on two 
 sides for the silo, and building a wall on the other two sides, 
 say 3 to 4 feet above ground. This wall need not be over 
 I foot to 1 8 inches thick for a moderate-size silo, but it 
 should be built solidl}^ and securely. A good plan is to put 
 anchor irons into this wall, so as to hold the timbers of the 
 silo from sliding or getting out of place. These timbers 
 should be wide enough so that there can be placed around 
 the outside edge a 2-inch rib, i inch thick, leaving room for 
 the uprights to butt back against this rib, so there is no possible 
 danger of a side thrust throwing these uprights out of place. 
 These uprights on a loo to 150 ton silo, running 15 to 20 
 feet deep, should be 2x8, and should be from i foot to 18 
 inches apart, according to the height and size of the silo. 
 The corners should be lapped, so that there can be no pos- 
 sible chance of their spreading at the corners. This is a 
 vital point in a silo, and if the corners are not well sustained, 
 frequentl}^ they spread, let the air in, and spoil a good deal 
 of ensilage. After the uprights are put in place the side- 
 boards are put on, running horizontally around the silo, 
 breaking joints and lapping onto the corners, so as to hold 
 
 — 4 — 
 
the vSilo securely from spreading. The two joists at the 
 corner can be nailed through, one to the other, so that it 
 forms just the same effect as a timber set in the corner with 
 one-quarter out, leaving say 2-inch opening one way and one 
 the other, so as to nail the ends of the boards in. The boards 
 used for the first course, being put on horizontally, should 
 have square edges, but need not be matched or planed. 
 After it is boarded up in this way a tar or rosin paper can 
 be put on inside, covering the whole silo, and then matched 
 pine or spruce, or something of this nature, nailed on up 
 and down. This is an advantage, as the grooves will not 
 hold the moisture, and boards are not so liable to rot as 
 when the grooves run the other way, holding all this juice 
 of the ensilage and decaying the lumber. A good many 
 farmers put a coat of tar, or something of this kind, over 
 the last coating of boards, but this we do not consider neces- 
 sary, as a silo will last a good many years without this. 
 When all is finished the inside boarding should be flush with 
 the inside of the wall all around. The two walls belonging 
 to the barn have to be brought out according to the con- 
 struction of the barn, so as to bring the whole silo flush 
 with this wall. In most barns the uprights are small and 
 are not secure, and it is necessary to put the uprights on all 
 four sides to make it secure. It is a good idea to have a 
 few loose cobble stones around in the bottom of the silo, 
 and over this put a cement coat of about 2 inches. After 
 this is dry the cement wash used around on the wall and in 
 the edges of the cement flooring will fill all the cracks and 
 make the silo air-tight. Portland cement is the best, but 
 Akron cement is used a good deal. There are different 
 kinds, but it pays to use a good cement for the bottom. In 
 filling the silo great care should be used in distributing the 
 cut ensilage, so as to have it pack evenly all around the 
 edges and in the center. It usually packs harder where the 
 ensilage drops, and if a good deal of care is not taken it 
 will not press down evenly. It should be pressed and 
 trodden very thoroughly around the edges and in the 
 corners, and distributed so that the cut corn, that is, the 
 
ears, will be evenly divided and distributed among the cut 
 stalks. It is a good idea in filling a silo to cut, say one-half 
 day, and then let it settle and cure a half day, or if two silos 
 are being filled at once, fill one one daj^ and one the other 
 up to a certain point, giving it a chance to heat and cure, as 
 this makes the best and sweetest ensilage. After the silo is 
 filled it is well enough for it to remain uncovered for a day 
 or two, and to be trodden and distributed so as to have it 
 perfectly even. Then, after it is refilled to the right point, 
 put some loose or cut straw to the depth of a foot on top, 
 put on the covers and weight it. A solid cover, if it can be 
 handled b}^ pulle}^ and rope, is the best and most satis- 
 factory, as it can be held by this same rope when it is being 
 taken out. A good manj^ farmers do not approve of 
 weighting ensilage, but we have never known of any bad 
 results to come from it, and we have known of bad results 
 coming from not being weighted. A good idea of doors is 
 to have one above the other all the way up, so that any door 
 in the silo can be opened to take ensikge from. A good 
 many commence at the top, others open the bottom door and 
 undermine, care being taken that the cover is secured, so 
 that it will not fall, and the weights properly adjusted. 
 
 A good deal of this information will not be needed by a 
 good many farmers, but there are a good many other 
 farm^ers that will appreciate, perhaps, some ot these facts, 
 and we hope they will aid them in building their silos. 
 
 FEEDING ENSILAGE. 
 
 We find upon investigation and from our conversations 
 with different feeders of stock, that they do not agree on the 
 amount to be fed, but a fair average is about 40 pounds to 
 the animal per day, divided into two rations, morning and 
 evening, with dry fodder of some kind at noon, hay having 
 the preference. On new milch cows this is fed with a grain 
 ration, but as all farmers have their own ideas of feeding or 
 can get what information they need from other sources, w^e 
 think it would not properly come in place here. A grain 
 
ration should be fed in about the same quantity when feeding 
 ensilage as when feeding dry fodder. On young stock and 
 dry cows this ensilage can be fed twdce a day with good 
 results and without any grain ration whatever. Cattle wall 
 do splendidly on ensilage fed twice a da}' with loose straw at 
 noon. We have seen some of the most excellent stock fed 
 in this way and our experience in feeding ensilage has also 
 been, that there is nothing better for young stock than two 
 rations of ensilage without any grain and with small amount 
 of hay or straw for the noon meal. The}^ grow ver}^ fast 
 and do well in every , respect. We have, we think, called 
 attention, in the previous part of this book, to the necessit}^ 
 of keeping barns or stables warm or comfortable where 
 ensilage is fed. Animals feel the cold very much more w^hen 
 fed on ensilage than on other kinds of fodder, and not only 
 this, the ensilage does not have as good an effect. We 
 would like to induce all of our farmer friends to make one 
 experiment with ensilage. If they do not buy an Ensilage 
 Cutter and we knew they were not going to buy, we would 
 want them to try the experiment just the same. There are 
 some farmers who put their ensilage in without cutting and 
 advocate it, but we aire under the impression that no farmer 
 would put his ensilage in whole if somebody would furnish 
 the cutting apparatus and pay the extra expense. There 
 may be a trifle extra expense in putting ensilage in cut, but 
 the convenience in getting at it and the expense saved in 
 handling it, when being fed, is so much less that it pays to 
 cut it. Not only this, but a farmer, having ensilage or not, 
 needs a Cutter just the same. He should cut up his hay 
 and dry fodder or straw. Speaking of cutting fodder, etc, 
 this we think is a good place to recommend to farmers the 
 advisability of cutting straw for bedding. It distributes very 
 much better, the waste is much less, and we think it makes 
 a great saving, allowing the farmer an extra amount of straw 
 to use. We have had some experience and have had a good 
 deal of contact with farmers, and we find also that cut 
 straw makes a very good ration. We know a good many 
 farmers who feed nothing but straw all through the winter, 
 
with grain of course, and their stock does very nicel}^ We, 
 however, do not recommend the entire' feed of straw and we 
 do not think our best farmers would recommend it, but we 
 give this information as it comes to us, so that if there is any 
 value in it our farmer friends may have it. It is not 
 necessary for farmers to go into ensilage in an expensive 
 way to experiment with it. A few dollars will build a small 
 silo and farmers can put in enough to test it. Even 2 or 3 
 tons would do. Pack it in thoroughly and nicely and after 
 it has lain about six weeks, take it out and feed it. It will 
 be a very eas}^ matter for any farmer to satisfy himself 
 whether ensilage is a success or not. If he gets better 
 results from it in comparison with other manners of feeding 
 and finds it cheaper, why he know^s himself then what it is. 
 It has been demonstrated in a great many ways and we have 
 yet to come across any farmer who has not been well pleased 
 and perfectly satisfied with the experiments in ensilage. 
 
 OUR SILO PLAN No. 2. 
 
 This is a method that is in quite good favor 
 among a good man}^ farmers. We are- not sure but 
 what it is a good plan and perhaps a good many of our 
 friends would think better of it than of our plan No. i. 
 The wall and foundation for plan No. 2 would be built the 
 same as No. i. 2x8 's are then used, laying them on the 
 wall and lapped over and nailed down through the "corners 
 so as to make it secure, and then putting the corner pieces 
 across, say 2 to 3 feet from each end, so as to make almost an 
 octagon shape silo. This would form the frame for the 
 bottom or wall, then another frame is built in the same way 
 and is raised about 2 feet. This is held in position until 
 the boards can be nailed into the bottom frame and to the 
 next one so as to hold it in position and then another frame 
 still above until it reaches the top. These frames or 
 surroundings can be put on as close together as necessary, 
 but i^ to 2 feet is plenty near enough and makes a very 
 vStrong silo. On very large silos these will have to be lapped, 
 
of course, in the center so as to reacli. This first course of 
 boards may be rough stuff, square edges and then a coating 
 of tar paper can be put on, and then matched boards or 
 ceihng used on the inside covering the tar paper. This 
 ceiling is a good many times put on horizontally, but if it 
 can be put on to avoid the joints in the other boards, it is 
 better to put it on up and down for the same reason as 
 given in plan No. i, as it allows the juice to follow down in 
 the cracks. We think this silo would cost a little less money 
 than the other plan, but a good many think that the 
 uprights, as described in No. i, are the best. It is a very 
 simple matter to build a silo from this plan and it can 
 all be done by farm labor. We will give sketch and 
 illustration showing the plan of building. On this 
 style of silo it would be necessary that the silo have 
 some boarding on the outside so as to help support these 
 frames. A good many think it is necessary to board up on 
 the outside and fill in with straw, sawdust or something of 
 this kind to keep the cold out, but where a silo is built in 
 the bay of a barn and has two courses of boards with paper 
 between, there is very little danger of freezing, and it is not 
 necessary to build up from the outside. In building silos on 
 the outside of a barn, the building must be made complete, 
 and greater care should be used on this style of silo than 
 when built in the side of a barn as there is great liability of 
 not getting it strong enough and of the ensilage pressing out 
 There is also more danger and it must be made so as to keep 
 the cold out. In this style of a silo it is possibly a good idea 
 to have a dead air chamber. This is done by building the 
 silo the same as plan No. i or No 2 on the inside of the 
 studding and building it the same on the outside, and if it is 
 built right there will be a dead air space 5 or 6 inches 
 between the walls of the silo, according to the width of 
 studding or uprights used, and this will prevent the cold air 
 from going through and any liability of freezing. We 
 recommend that on all silos the boards be put in the same as 
 in silo No. i. A good many build silos on the outside in 
 the form of a lean to. This is a satisfactory way and as tlie 
 
 — 9 - 
 
bam furnishes one side it saves a little expense. We have 
 some customers using our cutters who have built ver}^ 
 expensive silos, costing three times what was necessary, but 
 it was done from a sense of pride in having everj^thing ver}^ 
 nice and all right. We visited a silo in Dutchess Count}', 
 not long ago, that was built very perfectly, and a great deal 
 of pains had been taken in having everything of the very 
 best and making it very secure and perfect, but it cost at 
 least 50 per cent, more than was necessary. We have visited 
 some silos in Oswego County which were very crude affairs, 
 having been built of rough stock without any particular 
 regard to closing the joints, and then packed around with 
 hay or straw and perhaps coal tar on the inside. These silos 
 proved very successful, but we would not recommend any 
 farmer to build a silo of this kind. It is fair to give a silo 
 the benefit of a reasonable chance, and to do this the silo 
 must be built right. It is a fair estimate in a silo holding 
 less than 100 tons, to figure the cost at about $1.00 a ton 
 capacity. A silo holding 100 to 200 tons can be built for 
 from 85 to 90 cents per ton capacity. If ensilage is put in 
 correctly and is a success, it will only take a short time for a 
 silo to pay for itself whether it be large or small. 
 
 A good many of our friends ask us if it is necessary to 
 build a silo of stone or brick, or if it is necessary to build it 
 under ground. We would recommend that a silo be built 
 above ground in all cases, unless barns are situated on a 
 side hill where it would be cheaper and more convenient to 
 have it placed partlj^ under ground, but from what experience 
 we have had in this matter we find that silos built above 
 ground keep their ensilage very much better. It is not so 
 apt to mould and we think it ferments and comes out better. 
 When ensilage was first used the general impression was 
 that it must be put into a pit, wholly underground. The 
 first silos that we saw were built in this way and some of 
 them were very expensive and some were very crude. The 
 first silo that came to our notice was one built in Maine. It 
 was a square hole in the ground about 12x12 and 8 feet 
 deep and had an old shed roof drawn over it. This was all 
 
there was of the silo. The ensilage was put into this 
 pit and packed thoroughly, and when the writer saw it 
 it was about half full of ensilage and the ensilage was being 
 used every day to feed a large amount of Jersey cattle. As 
 long as it lasted it was good feed but it had a limited 
 capacity of course. The State of Maine now has a great 
 many very large and fine silos. New^ England has taken 
 hold of the ensilage system more earnestly than any other 
 part of the country. New York State has a great many 
 silos and the system is increasing in favor every day. Last 
 year New England took a new hold and the silo came in 
 favor again very fast. It had dropped out a little in the 
 past two or three years, some of the farmers thinking that 
 it was not what they had thought it to be and had abandoned 
 the idea of building silos. We believe, however, that last 
 year there were more silos built in New England than in 
 any year since the system was commenced. Pennsylvania 
 and Ohio have taken largely to this system of feeding, and 
 in the West it has grown very fast. East year we had a 
 great many orders for ensilage machinery from Tennessee 
 and Virginia. We think that farmers in that part of the 
 country are becoming very much interested and favorably 
 impressed. Texas also has a few silos, and, as far as we 
 know, they are successful. It is a mystery to us how an}- 
 man, having over lo head of stock to feed, can afford to be 
 without a silo. He must surely appreciate the benefits of 
 getting the most product out of the least mone}- , and there is 
 no known method that will produce better results than the 
 S3'stem of ensilage. 
 
 We have some customers who have built silos by taking 
 2x4' s and lajdng one on top of the other and nailing to place 
 each one and laping at the corners so that they cannot pull 
 or spread apart, and then lining the inside with tar paper or 
 something of that kind. This we think is an expensive silo, 
 but it is certainly secure and easily built. It takes consider- 
 ably more lumber, of course, but if farmers are only going 
 to build a small silo, want to build it easily and securely, we 
 do not know of anything that woiild be any more successful. 
 
We would not, however, recommend, this st34e of a silo to 
 any one who has a very large one to build. We want to 
 caution all parties who contemplate building silos to be 
 particular about the strength. We have known considerable 
 ensilage to be lost by having the silos give out, and spread 
 apart so that the air could get in. 
 
 A good many of our customers want to know how 
 many tons of ensilage can be raised to the acre ; how much 
 seed it requires to the acre, and what the relative value is, 
 and the gain, and all of these points. We have some cus- 
 tomers that use about lo quarts of seed to the acre, and 
 plant in rows, as we have before suggested, and the}^ expect 
 to get from 15 to 30 tons of ensilage to the acre, according 
 to the yield and according to the season. If they use the 
 ensilage corn the fodder grows to be from 12 to 18 feet high, 
 and in this way much more can be gotten off of an acre of 
 land than when the common field corn seed is used. We 
 have had a good many arguments with some of our friends 
 on this point, but we find that farmers who are most suc- 
 cessful, and are getting the best results from their ensilage, 
 are using the regular ensilage, or, as some call it, the soo 
 corn. This is a sheep tooth, small kernel, and the seed is 
 raised in Delaware. It is the best corn that has ever come 
 within our notice. We do not sell corn, and we are not 
 interested at all in this seed, but the writer has had consid- 
 erable experience in raising ensilage and putting it up, and 
 has never known of any ensilage that was more successful 
 and more profitable than ensilage raised from this seed. 
 It can be bought of standard dealers in seeds and 
 at reasonable price. We are interested in our friends 
 having good crops and good success with their ensilage and 
 silos. A good many ask us what the gain is b}^ using 
 ensilage. We would like to know in what way 15 tons of 
 nutriment can be gotten out of any piece of land without 
 this ensilage. Of course, the dry fodder can be used, but it 
 does not make as much weight, and has not as much feeding 
 value as the same corn put into ensilage. It is fair to figure 
 that two tons of ensilage is equal to a ton of hay. This 
 
would be equivalent, on the lowest estimate, to 7)4 tons of 
 hay per acre ; and, on the other hand, cows in milk will do 
 better on ensilage, by 25 to 40 per cent., than they will on 
 any other kind of forage. We have known a great many 
 farmers to feed ensilage in the winter to their new milch 
 cows and to get the same results, or equivalent to the same, 
 as they got from June pasture. If this is true, and we 
 believe that 11 can be thoroughly demonstrated, then there 
 need be no further argument as to the benefits of ensilage. 
 
 Cattle fed on ensilage in the winter look usually very 
 sleek and fat, and always do well. It is not necessary to 
 give them near as much water, and they are not chilled by 
 this. Their product in milk, butter and cheese is just as 
 good as when fed other kinds of grain, providing it is not 
 fed to excess. If a farmer has 50 to 100 tons of ensilage 
 properly stowed away (it can be put in about one-third the 
 space that it could be handled if it was in dry forage) it is 
 very much more convenient in feeding, one man being able 
 to look after the feeding of a good many more head of stock 
 than he could by any other system. If there is any waste 
 it is very easily handled, and it has a thousand benefits that 
 the farmers do not realize who have not made the experi- 
 ment. 
 
 It is not expensive going into the ensilage system. The 
 silo may be built by farm labor, the cost being pretty much 
 all in the lumber and what little mason work is required. 
 Any farmer having 10 cows can afford to build a silo and fill 
 it, providing for 6 to 8 months' feed for his stock. There is 
 no time when he can use this to better advantage, if he has 
 milch cows, than during the season of July and August, 
 when cattle cannot do much except fight flies in the pasture, 
 and get very little to eat. It is the time when farmers have 
 the most, shrinkage in their products, and this cuts very 
 deeply into the profits. The writer's experience in this has 
 been that if ensilage is available, so that it can be used in 
 these dry times and when the first shrinkage commences, 
 that many dollars can be saved by feeding ensilage judi- 
 ciously, together with such other fodder as may be available. 
 
We lia^-e one farmer friend in mind, in particular, who 
 was very much opposed to ensilage for a number of years. 
 He finally put in 400 tons and fed 40 cattle, new milch cows 
 mostly, all winter. He was the most enthusiastic fanner 
 we have ever heard, and could talk about nothing else but 
 ensilage. His cattle looked like seals, and he was making 
 better product, and more of it, than he had ever made on 
 any summer pasture. He was making it also at just as low 
 cost price. 
 
 Ensilage is the cheapest possible feed, cheaper than 
 pasturing. It is generally known, we think, that cattle 
 tread down in the pasture about four times as much as they 
 eat; this is lost. Our best system of farming now is cattle 
 on soilage. On most of the large sanitary farms and fancy 
 farms the stock are not allowed to go out except once a day 
 for exercise, but their feeding is all done in the stable. 
 Ensilage, or whatever forage is given them, is provided and 
 put away, so that they can be fed the year around in this 
 manner. In some sections of the country it is not the best 
 way to do. In some parts of the South this would, perhaps, 
 not be as beneficial or as necessary. 
 
 We will give descriptions of some of the silos that w^e 
 have seen and the results of the feeding of ensilage. One 
 particular silo we have in mind in Monroe County, N, Y. 
 The cow stables were on level ground, no cellar, and the 
 ground was heavy clay. The stalls and stanchions were 
 built up about six inches from the ground, and the silo was 
 built on a level with this flooring for the stock. Timbers 
 6x8 were imbedded in this hard ground, and staked on the 
 outside, so that they could not move on two sides. On the 
 other two sides the timbers of the barn answered the same 
 purpose, this being an old barn and the timbers being very 
 heavy and strong. Around the outside of these timbers 
 were 2 x i-inch strips going to the outside edge — that is, on 
 the two sides not formed by the barn timbers. On top of 
 these were placed the uprights, which were 2x6, one foot 
 apart, 20 feet long. They were held in place by boarding 
 horizontally on the inside with straight edge hemlock all the 
 
 — 14 — 
 
way around and clear up, the uprights, of course, going on 
 all four sides and on the sides formed by the barn timbers ; 
 these abutted back against the main timbers at the bottom, 
 and were braced all the way up, so that they could not press 
 out, and at the top a plate put around on the top of all the 
 uprights so as to keep them in place, and back of these plates 
 braces to the timbers of the barn. After going up to the 
 £rst floor, the cross timbers running each way formed the 
 supports or braces for these uprights, as the silo was just 
 the size of one section of the barn and built in this frame 
 work. This made it perfectly secure in the center and at 
 the top on two sides, and being braced from the floor and 
 roof on the other two sides, the pressure nearer the top was 
 less. After these hemlock boards were put on, there was a 
 coating of tar paper and then matched stuff put on up and 
 down. There was then about a 3-inch cement bottom put 
 in the silo and the ends and boards washed with Portland 
 cement around the bottom edges of the boards. Doors all 
 the way up ; one on the first floor on a level with the cow 
 stable, and one above the first floor, and a small door near 
 the top, this being necessary, as the timbers and silo reached 
 closely to the roof.' The silo was 15x15, and held about 
 sixty-five tons when filled. The cost of it, including lum- 
 ber and labor, which was pretty much all farm labor, was 
 $42. The ensilage was cut about the third day of October, 
 and they commenced feeding on Thanksgiving Day. It 
 came out bright and fresh, and there was hardly a pound of 
 it lost. It was weighted thoroughly, and protected on top 
 by about a foot to two feet of straw. This ensilage was 
 raised on two and one-half acres of land and from soo com. 
 It was planted in drills, 36 inches between rows, and culti- 
 vated until about four feet high. It had very large ears, 
 and the kernels were well filled out and pretty nearly in the 
 glazed state when cut. It had one light frost the day before 
 it was put in the silo, but it did not do any particular dam- 
 age. Cattle that had been fed on dry forage, after being 
 taken off of pasture, up to Thanksgiving Day had decreased 
 in milk flow 50 per cent., but after being put on to a ration 
 
 — 15 — 
 
of ensilage, 40 pounds a day in two feeds, with four quarts 
 of bran, one quart of corn meal, one pound of oil meal to a 
 feed, morning and night, and wath good hay at noon, in- 
 creased the flow of milk to almost the amount given during 
 pasture. This did not appl}^ on the whole stock, but on 
 those that were comparativel}^ new in milk. From tests 
 from this milk and cream — making butter and using the 
 cream for various purposes — there were no ill- effects. No 
 one seemed to discover au}^ difference in the qualit}" of the 
 milk, cream or butter. Ever>- experiment possible was tried 
 to ascertain if ensilage had any bad effects, as was being 
 stated by some of the creamer}^ associations. Customers 
 using this milk and cream particularh^ were very much 
 pleased with it, and never discovered that it was an}- differ- 
 ent in flavor from that produced b}^ grass pasture. It has 
 been estimated that an acre of good ensilage will keep one 
 animal twelve months. This same dairyman made an ex- 
 periment of an acre of ensilage corn all ready to put into 
 the silo, but cut it and fed it without being put in. It fed 
 twelve head of cattle thirty daj'-s, twice a day, giving them 
 full supply. If it would do this as green fodder, it would 
 do just the same as ensilage, this being equivalent to keep- 
 ing one cow twelve months. 
 
 These are actual tests and experiments, and prove the 
 value of corn fodder, either as gre n fodder or as ensilage. 
 This experiment was made in September, when pasture was 
 dry and there w^as comparatively no feed. The supply of 
 dairy products was equal to that obtained when the cattle 
 were getting full feed in pasture. It was necessary, how- 
 ever, to supply a small portion of grain ration with this 
 green fodder. Cattle all looked well and did well. On any 
 other system of feeding an acre of ha}^ or grass will not last 
 an animal over three to four months, and on a good mau}- 
 kinds of land it is considered a prettj^ good piece of land if 
 enough can be raised on it to last an animal two months. A 
 good man}^ farms do not average in their hay fields over a 
 ton of haj' per acre, and that in good seasons. Occasionallj^ 
 it will run two to two and one-half tons, but this is an ex- 
 
 — 16 — 
 
traordinary yield in most sections. Farmers who have their 
 lands and farms in the best possible condition, get large hay 
 crops and keep their land up. will hardly believe this, but 
 there are any number of farmers through New York State 
 that will not average one-half a ton to the acre of hay from 
 their meadows. 
 
 We have a case in New York State of a silo built by a 
 young farmer just starting in business, and whose brother 
 farmers advised not to build a silo. He was progressive, 
 wanted to start in the business right, and decided that he 
 would go in with modern improvements and arrangements, 
 and built a small silo holding about fifty tons. This was built 
 similar to the one just spoken of, and was built in the bay 
 of his barn, costing about $45. This cost more in propor- 
 tion than the one just spoken of, as a good deal of labor was 
 hired specially. This young man commenced feeding his 
 ensilage about the first of December, and having a milk 
 route, was able to supply his customers from his own stock, 
 where thirty days previously he had been obliged to buy, 
 this increase being purely the result of feeding ensilage with 
 grain ration. In talking with him about this silo, he told 
 us that it saved him at least $150 that year, as he would 
 have had to buy considerable fodder of some kind, and not 
 only that, would have had to buy milk to supply his trade, 
 and by crowding his stock, feeding them ensilage, keeping 
 them in a warm place, taking good care of them, he had 
 ensilage enough to carry him through, and supplied his cus- 
 tomers with all the product that they required from his own 
 stock. 
 
 These are only a few cases out of a good many that come 
 to our minds, and these are actual tests and experiments 
 made by practical, thorough-g-oing dairymen. The results 
 are what people are after. We doubt very much if any 
 farmer would hesitate to take hold of ensilage and build a 
 silo if he was positive that he could save at least half of his 
 feed, besides getting an increased suppl3^ There are a 
 good many farmers who do not keep their cows in milk 
 during the winter, but depend upon milking them through 
 
 — 17 — 
 
the summer and sending milk to factories. They must, 
 however, keep their stock through the winter, and the 
 cheapest wa}^ is the best way. There is no way that any- 
 body has ever discovered that cattle can be kept so cheaply 
 and satisfactorily as on the ensilage system. Young stock, 
 fat stock and dry cows, sheep, and in a good many cases 
 hogs and poultry, are fed on ensilage. It is not recom- 
 mended as good feed for horses, although we have some 
 friends who feed horses a limited amount of ensilage. 
 
 To Our Southern Friends. 
 
 There come to us every day inquiries from Southern 
 points asking us a great many questions about the system 
 of ensilage ; how to build silos, what to put into them in 
 the manner of filling, and various questions that are not 
 covered by most books on this subject. We have endeav- 
 ored all through this book to cover these points, but we 
 think it is possible that there is some information that we 
 might give to the people in the south that would be more 
 benefit than the information that we have already given. If 
 ensilage is a success and a benefit to them and to the people 
 of the northern and eastern states it certainl}^ can be made 
 a benefit to the people in the south. There is quite a move 
 in Texas toward ensilage. A good many silos have been 
 built, and so far as we can learn they have been a success. 
 We want to create an interest in the southern states particu- 
 larly in this method of feeding and preserving fodder, for 
 we believe it is going to do a great deal for the people of 
 that country. 
 
 In the first place, we understand there is a great deal of 
 forage that cannot be cured by that process. All of this 
 can be cured and preserved by the use of a silo. We would 
 like to urge upon all stock raisers and dairymen in the south 
 to experiment in ensilage, even if they do so only in a small, 
 limited way. For instance, a silo that would hold only a 
 
 — i8 — 
 
ton. Some of our New England farmers used a hogshead, 
 and you would be surprised how much ensilage could 
 be put in a space no larger than this, and it would answer 
 as an experiment without any great expense. It would be 
 better to cut the ensilage as it would pack better, especially 
 in a small capacity. This would not necessitate buying 
 a Cutter. We do not expect to sell ensilage machinery to 
 people making a small experiment, but if it is a success and 
 after a time they want ensilage machinery, then we shall 
 hope to stand an equal chance of making the sale. Ensilage 
 put up in the proper way is the cheapest feed ever used by 
 dairymen. Corn ensilage is better, cures better in the silo. 
 A good many use millet, clover, alfalfa and pea vines. Pea 
 vines have been used with great success in the south, and 
 we understand makes excellent ensilage. 
 
 After the crop is in the proper condition to put in the 
 silo it should be cut and thoroughly packed, so as to exclude 
 the air as much as possible, and also for the purpose of get- 
 ting as much into a given space as possible. Corn ensilage 
 should be in that state where the ears commence to glaze, it 
 being the object to secure as much juice as possible, so that 
 the ensilage will be full of moisture when put in the silo. 
 This creates the steaming, or heating process, which cures 
 the ensilage, absorbing the air that is in the spaces, and if it 
 is kept from the air by putting a cover over it, it will keep 
 an unlimited time. 
 
 We would like to urge upon stock raisers and dairymen 
 to make an experiment in this small way. It would not be 
 much trouble for a farmer to get a large hogshead and fill it 
 with ensilage. It would have to be filled very slowly, so as 
 to pack it properly and get in a large amount. It can be 
 packed after it is settled and refilled until all is in that can 
 be put in, and then it should be heavily weighted. After it 
 is settled all that it will by the use of the weights the cover 
 may be taken off and may be refilled and weighted again. 
 
 We have a great many letters from dairymen who say 
 that if they were positive that ensilage was a success they 
 would try it. They wait year after year and do not become 
 
 — 19 — 
 
convinced, simply because they do not know, from their 
 own knowledge and experience, whether it is right. This 
 experiment would satisfy any man whether it was right or 
 wrong. If he would take a little pains to keep track of how 
 much land it would take to raise ensilage forage to fill this 
 small silo, and would keep track of the cost and then also 
 the benefits he would receive from this ensilage, he would 
 very readily discover what the benefits are to him. If they 
 are sufl&cient to warrant him going on he would then be 
 satisfied to build a silo of large dimensions. This will give 
 you a practical test that will be valuable to you and to your 
 neighbors who watch the experiment. If it is found that 
 cattle can be fed for about one-half the cost by this method 
 than they can some other way any other than this, then it 
 is surely demonstrated that it is a practical and economical 
 way of feeding cattle, providing, of course, stock do as w^ell 
 on flesh, milk and butter products. Some of the most 
 careful and considerate farmers in the United States have 
 made these tests, and in a practical way, so that they knew 
 at the end of their experiment just what they were getting 
 in the way of results, and whether it was cheaper and better. 
 
 We hear every day of dairymen and stock raisers who 
 have never heard of this system of ensilage. They know 
 nothing about the requirements or benefits. We have 
 endeavored in this book to give practical information that 
 farmers can use in building silos, raising and putting in 
 ensilage. If there are points that we have not covered we 
 shall be glad to have suggestions or inquiries, so that we 
 may be able to furnish this information, and then when we 
 get out another series of our book on ensilage we shall be 
 able to give the information more complete. 
 
 We have a good many friends in the south who have 
 put in ensilage, and who write us very favorably as to the 
 results. We are anxious to get all the information we can 
 regarding the results of ensilage and the silo system in the 
 different parts of the United States. We want this informa- 
 tion for the use and benefit of our customers and friends. 
 We shall next j-ear endeavor to get letters from all parts of 
 
the country giving the results of the different experiments 
 in different localities and different climates. 
 
 Speaking of the cutting of ensilage, this we believe, 
 and we are assured by all of our friends who have used 
 ensilage for a good many years, that it is the best and safest 
 to cut the ensilage. If it is put in whole it is very difficult 
 to get out nice, more expensive and difficult to pack it, and 
 it cannot be packed perfectly, consequently there is more 
 danger of it spoiling. 
 
 There is some expense, to be sure, to fit up an ensilage 
 outfit — power, cutter and carrier — but when it is in full rig 
 and has been in operation one year the largest part of the 
 outfit has been saved, so that in reality there is not much of 
 a loss. The second year will usually wipe out the whole 
 cost of the machinery and silo, so that at the end of the 
 second year the silo system has paid for all the extra 
 expense, and the profits are very great. 
 
 We are in the ensilage machinery business, have a full 
 line, and are making our machines in such quantities that 
 w^e are able to supply the trade at the lowest possible figure 
 for the best goods. We shall be glad to furnish our illus- 
 trated catalogue to anyone who is in need of an ensilage 
 outfit. We are glad, however, to furnish any information 
 that we can regarding ensilage or silos whether there is any 
 prospect of our supplying a machine or not. 
 
 2.1 
 
Description of Cut No. i. 
 
 This cut represents basement barn with cattle stables in the 
 basement, showing the frame and flooring of first floor above, and 
 showing the corner walls. It also shows board flooring which is not 
 always put into basement barns. In building a silo this flooring 
 should be removed, and the silo built with the bottom of the silo of 
 clay or cement. It shows post in center of barn coming down under- 
 neath cross beams. This beam is not necessary in all barns, but in 
 very large barns it has support in this way. This is designed to show 
 the first starting off of the building of a silo. 
 
 Description of Cut No. 2. 
 
 In this cut we have endeavored to show the walls that are to be 
 supplied before building silo. It will be noticed that we make a 
 short wall into the barn and across, joining the flat wall as we look 
 at the picture, this forming a square or an oblong according to the 
 way the barn is built. You will notice that the support post has been 
 removed. This is not necessary unless it comes in the way of the 
 wall and decreases the space in which to build the silo. Cuts Nos. 6 
 and 7, further on, show the plan of this wall, which will be explained 
 later. We want to call particular attention to the timber on this wall 
 being anchored to the wall and with a rib around the outside against 
 which the uprights are placed, these uprights going up inside of the 
 heavy frame work as described in our reading matter. On two sides 
 these uprights go down to the lower wall, and on two sides they rest 
 on the ledge, butting back against the timbers of the, frame work. 
 This cut represents the frame work of the first floor and of the sec- 
 ond floor up next to the roof, showing the joists of the barn and 
 enough of the boarding on the outside to explain the details of the 
 barn, all unnecessary parts of the barn being left out. We think 
 that this cut is so plain that with the assistance of the following cuts 
 there will be no trouble in understanding. 
 
 — 23 
 
24 
 
25 — 
 
Description of Cut No. 3. 
 
 This is a continuation of Cut No. 2, showing the uprights in 
 place on all sides — enough of them to give an idea understandingly 
 so that the silo can be put up in exact detail as per our instructions. 
 It will be noticed that this frame work has no supports underneath 
 the cross timbers in the center of the barn, although some barns are 
 built with them. We leave these out so as to show more completely 
 the arrangement of the uprights. This cut is calculated to give the 
 best idea of the silo frame work of any of them, and will not need 
 ver}- much explanation. We want to say that at the corners the two 
 joists are to come together to form a tight joint, and it is well 
 enough to nail them together to prevent the pulling of the silo apart 
 at the corners, although where heavy timbers are used, as in this cut, 
 this is not absolutely necessar}-. In joining to the wall the uprights 
 should be secured to the side walls as completely as possible, so that 
 there will be no chance for air to get in or the en,silage to leak out, 
 but by joining the two uprights together at these corners and lap- 
 ping the boards right, it makes a secure joint. 
 
 Description of Cut No. 4. 
 
 This represents the silo nearer completion, showing the uprights 
 ^'D 'in place and the boarding and papering of the silo in different 
 stages. "A" represents the first course of boards put on horizon- 
 tally, showing the uprights behind these boards. "B" represents 
 the paper as put on over the boards "A," ''C" represents the last 
 finishing boards running perpendicularly from top to bottom of silo. 
 These boards are of matched stuff, and should run clear to the wall 
 on each side. It is not necessary to board down below the top of the 
 side walls, but the silo should be built so that the last course of 
 boards come out flush with the main walls. It should be a smooth 
 surface from top to bottom. 
 
 26 
 
27 
 
28 
 
29 — 
 
Description of Cut No. 5*. 
 
 This shows the silo complete, with door at bottom and on first 
 floor for taking out the ensilage. These doors can be put in as often 
 as necessary or as desired, one above the other. In some silos they 
 are made of one continuous door or opening, and slides fitted in so 
 that as many boards can be removed as desired. In some barns these 
 silos can l)e built still higher, running up into still higher frame 
 work. As represented here the ensilage would be taken out at the 
 lower door first, but a good many prefer to take it out at the top. 
 
 Description of Cut No. 6. 
 
 Cut No. 6 is an end view of wall showing the timber in place, 
 together with the rib on the timber which the uprights butt back 
 against ; showing also the upright, the ends of the horizontal boards 
 and the edge of the upright board. It will be noticed that the tim- 
 ber is left off one inch from the inside of the wall, and that the up- 
 right is left back one inch from the edge of the timber with the two 
 courses of one-inch boards, bringing the last boarding flush with the 
 wall. This timber can be put on flush with the wall if desired, and 
 a two-inch space left on the inside of the upright on the timber to 
 take the two courses of boards, this being optional. We give this 
 cut to give an idea of how this is to appear or be made. 
 
 Description of Cut No. 7. 
 
 Cut No. 7 is a representation of the two walls that are supplied 
 running at right angles with the main walls of the barn, showing 
 anchor irons which are to go up into the timber that goes onto the 
 main wall to hold it in place. We represent here a large timber, 
 3x8, 3 X 10 or 3x12 being heavy enough, but a good many of our 
 customers use 6 x lo. 
 
 _30 — 
 
31 — 
 
Description of Cut No. 8. 
 
 This represents the frame work surface of barn without base- 
 ment, and where cattle are stabled on the first or ground floor. This 
 shows two bays with cross timbers, and in which a good many silos 
 are built, showing on the side the uprights. It will be noticed that 
 the beam at "A" runs from the main floor across to the main wall. 
 This is not always put into barns, but for convenience we illustrate 
 it here. Under this beam we would recommend the wall going into 
 the ground six inches to a foot, and from post "B" to beam "C" an- 
 other wall under this flooring, projecting enough to take the main 
 timber and the uprights, allowing space enough so that the uprights 
 will go up behind beam "B." On the main side and end of the barn 
 timbers will go onto the ledge of the wall and butt back against 
 timber "D," unless, however, this wall is flush, in which case the silo 
 boarding can be put onto the uprights of the barn, provided they 
 are strengthened sufficiently so that they can not crowd out. This 
 can be done by bracing on the outside. The better way, however, is 
 to furnish new uprights, the same as in our plan 2 and 3. A silo 
 built in the bay as shown would be built on the same plan and gen- 
 eral idea, our other sketches furnishing the necessary information 
 for this. 
 
 Description of Cut No. 9. 
 
 This cut represents a different style of silo built by a good many 
 of our practical farmers, the walls and foundation being exactly the 
 same, but using 2 x 6's or 2 x 8's as bands around the silo, boarding 
 up and down to these. These 2 x 6's are supported by nails through 
 the boarding, or can be held in place by short supports between, each 
 one. These bands should be about two feet apart. We recommend 
 that two courses of boards up and down with paper between be used 
 in this style of a silo, care being taken to break joints so as to make 
 it secure and air tight. You will notice that this forms not a square 
 silo, but the corners chamfered and braced across the corners of the 
 2 x 6's so as to make them doubly secure, these braces being suffi- 
 ciently heavy to take the nails of the boarding. 
 
 — 32 — 
 
— 33 — 
 
TESTIMONIALS 
 
 OHIO. 
 
 Fifty Per Cent. More Feed. 
 
 Tacoma, Ohio, February 25, 1890. 
 The E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 GentIvEmen — In reply to your letter will say that my silo is of 
 wood, only one thickness of weather-boarding inside. I used hard 
 pine flooring for siding and no paper. The silo is in my barn bay 
 and is 18 x 22x28 feet deep. Cost, including all work, lumber, etc., 
 1 1 28. Filled with a Ross Cutter No 14 A, cut ^ inch in length. 
 Used no weights. Put about one foot of oats, straw and chaff on 
 top. About two inches of ensilage on top moulded. Used southern 
 corn cut when just past the roasting ear stage. I put in 200 tons and 
 filled about September 25th. It was opened December 15, 1889. It 
 did not cost me quite 50 cents per ton to fill, including hiring 
 Cutter, engine teams, and all labor. I am wintering 50 cows and 25 
 head of calves, and yearlings fed wholly on ensilage for roughage, 
 except a small feed of hay at noon. Stock did well. My cows with 
 8 quarts of wheat bran and one quart of linseed meal (new process) 
 did as well as on good pastures in summer. Heretofore I have cut 
 my dried corn fodder into }4 inch lengths. I am satisfied that by 
 siloing the corn I get 50 per cent, more feed than by the old way. I 
 think cows should have a small ration of hay or straw or dried corn 
 fodder each day. In making my 50 per cent, estimate in favor of the 
 silo I take into consideration the loss in handling dried corn fodder. 
 With the best care I think there is 50 per cent, gain in favor of the 
 silo. Respectfully, ' L. R BAIIvEY. 
 
 — 34 — 
 
MINNESOTA. 
 
 Benson, Minn., April ii, 1890. 
 The E. W. Ross Co., Springfield, Ohio: 
 
 GenTIvEmen — We have been experimenting with ensilage for 
 three years, a ad are fully convinced of its value in this climate,, 
 whatever may be thought of it in states where winters are shorter 
 and milder. We believe that it solves the problem of wintering 
 stock cheaply. Cattle, hogs and sheep like it, and thrive on it, and 
 we have fed it to horses and colts for two winters with good results. 
 Our silos are cheap above ground bins, for which portions of build- 
 ings alreadv up were utilized. Very truly yours, 
 
 WILCOX & LIGGETT. 
 
 KENTUCKY. 
 
 Gayi,ordsvii.i.e, Ky., February 28, 1890. 
 The K W. Boss Co.: 
 
 GENTI.EMEN— I am but a small farmer, but will give you the 
 history of my silo. I at first built a small silo in the corner of my 
 barn, and it pleased me so well that I built another 10x16 and 21 
 feet deep, and have filled it twice. I shall build another. I used 
 southern white corn, and cut it when in the milk stage. I did not 
 use any weights, and covered with green swale hay. For power I 
 used a two-horse tread and Ross Cutter. My cattle are looking fine, 
 and are in a thrifty condition. My silos cost me about $100. They 
 are all of wood, with cement bottoms. Judging from my own 
 experience with ensilage, I should say a man can readily keep one 
 cow a year to an acre by the aid of the silo. 
 
 Respectfully yours, CHAS. E. CONKRITE. 
 
 From a Noted Stockman. 
 
 Guthrie, Ky., March 10, 1890. 
 The E. W. Moss Co.: 
 
 Dear Sirs — In answer to your letter will say that my silo is 
 built in one end of my bank barn. The bottom is four feet below 
 the level of the cattle stalls ; the lower twelve feet in brick, laid in 
 cement, and plastered with cement. The upper twelve feet is made 
 with tw^o courses of half-inch plank, with tarred paper between the 
 planks, put on up and down ; 2x6 streamers on outside ; boxing 
 plank put on without stripping. My silo, built in my barn,. 
 
 — 35 — 
 
-40X 12x24 feet deep, with partition, cost fioo. The silage was 
 made from about 150 two-horse loads. Cut it in with a No. 14 A 
 
 Ross Cutter. I formerl}- used weights, but do not now, as they are 
 ■unnecessary. I open silo about two months after filling. The silage 
 
 cost me about $3 per ton. I winter about 50 head of cattle (Jerseys). 
 
 Use cut hay with the silage. It is the best feed I ever used in 
 
 winter. It keeps the cattle in as good condition as when fed on 
 -green pasture. I am ver}- much pleased with the Ross Cutter. 
 Yours trulv, S. W. TAIvIAFERRO. 
 
 my 
 
 WISCONSIN. 
 
 [From Wisconsin's noted dairyman.] 
 
 Fort Atkinson, Wis, May 5, 1S90. 
 
 The E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 GenTIvEmen — M}^ occupation is that of a dair3^man, and 
 'Object is to get as large a production of butter from my cows, and 
 
 at the least possible cost, that I can. For several years my yearly 
 ^average of butter per cow^ has been over 350 pounds. Having 
 
 become convinced that the silo w as for me as well as for the other 
 -dairymen of Wisconsin, I built a silo last )'ear. I built it of wood, 
 
 15x16x34 feet, and put up 160 tons of ensilage. I began to cut 
 ■corn when the ears had begun to dent, and cut it into inch lengths 
 
 when filling. I estimate the cost of my silage at $1 50 per ton. This 
 
 silage is fed to 30 cows, and in comparison with any dr}- fodder 
 -which I have fed the sila?e is the best. C. P. GOODRICtl. 
 
 A Wisconsin Man's ExperimeTits. 
 
 Waupon, Wis., February i, 1890. 
 The E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 I have been experimenting with ensilage for the past three 
 weeks, and will give my experience for the benefit of your readers. 
 
 Two kinds of corn were planted, the B. & W. ensilage and the 
 Longfellow, a young flint. The flint corn was cut before there was 
 any frost to speak of and put into the silo, allowing time between 
 fillings for the contents to heat up to 125 or 130 degrees. It was 
 estimated that it would yield about 90 bushels of well-matured ears 
 to the acre. The B. & W. corn was injured by the frost, so that the 
 top leaves were quite dr3^ The silo filled with this corn was not 
 allowed time to warm at all imtil the very last. There was some 
 corn, not much, though, and that not matured. When the trial 
 -began I had been feeding from the first silo several weeks. The 
 
 - 36 - 
 
milk was weighed for 20^ days, twelve days when feieding ensilage- 
 made from flint corn and 8)4 days on B. & W. ensilage. Grain 1 
 rations the same in both periods, with the addition of four pounds of/ 
 corn meal per cow per day during the second period. 
 
 First period, 12 days, 2,140 pounds of milk, from which i2o>^-, 
 pounds butter was made, taking 17 pounds I2>^ ounces milk for one- 
 pound butter. Average yield of milk per day was 178 pounds 5^^, 
 ounces. Average butter yield per day was 10 pounds. Second 
 period, 8)4 days, i,552X pounds milk, from which 93;^ pounds butter- 
 was made, taking t6 pounds 9I ounces milk for one pound butter. 
 Average 3deld of milk per day was 182 pounds 9I ounces. Average 
 butter yield per day was 11 pounds. Average yield of milk per day 
 for the whole period was 180 pounds. Average yield of butter per- 
 day for the whole time was 10 pounds &i% ounces. Average number 
 of pounds of milk for a pound of butter for the whole period was^ 
 17 pounds 4 ounces. The yield of milk was 4, pounds 4 ounces 
 greater per day during the second period, and the butter yield was 
 also one pound greater. It took i pound 3 ounces less of milk fon 
 a pound of butter when fed on B. & W. ensilage. 
 
 W. M. TICHKNOR.. 
 
 MAINE. 
 
 E1.MW00D Farm, Parsonsfiei.d, Me. ,^. March 17, 1890. 
 The E. W. Hoss Co.: 
 
 Gentlemen— In reply to your inquiries as to my silo, its con- 
 struction, etc., I will answer as briefly as possible 'on the different, 
 points. 
 
 I have a cellar under my barn 10 feet deep, of which I. took fon 
 my silo two bays, each 12^^x14 feet. When finished their dimen- 
 sions were I2xi3>^ feet. I made two silos, one for each bay, fronji 
 the bottom of the cellar to the first girt in the barn, thus making 
 the entire depth 19 feet. This season I shall build each one nine 
 feet higher. The material used in construction was joists, 3x3;; 
 inches, boarded with anj^ common inch boards, which were covered 
 very carefully with tarred paper. This I boarded with good, sound; 
 pine boards, using care to break joints, as in shingling. Great care 
 should also be used in bracing and staying to prevent spreading. 
 The bottom was cemented, making all air-tight from bottom to- 
 top, which is the essential point. 
 
 The whole cost will not be more than $100, as a great portion of; 
 the labor was done by my farm employes b}^ odd jobs and during 
 stormj' weather. Now I have as good a silo as anyone, as the con- 
 tents came out in perfect condition. Only two inches- on the top 
 were turned dark, and even this was all eaten by my, cattle. I used] 
 
 — 37 — 
 
a Ross Cutter, puttin'g in 25 tons per day. First one was filled, then 
 the other; but a better way I think would be to put into one on the 
 first day and into the other the next, thus continuing until both 
 silos are filled. This being done I put on oat straw to the depth of 
 about a foot. I opened one silo on November loth and commenced 
 feeding my stock (32 in number and of different ages, from calves 
 to three-year-old steers and cows), giving on an average one bushel a 
 day to each animal. My method of feeding is as follows : 
 
 At morning feed twice on silage, one basket to three animals 
 each time. At noon feed once on unthreshed oats. At night feed 
 once on oat or rye straw and once on silage, one basket to three, thus 
 getting in the bushel to each animal. In addition to the corn in 
 the silage my steers and cows have had for grain three quarts of 
 shorts, and the calves have had a little oats added with shorts a part 
 of the time. They have made a better growth, and are in better 
 condition than ever before at this season of the year. 
 
 I am unable to speak of the merits of silage as food for dairy 
 stock, as my business is stock raising, both cattle and horses. I am 
 perfectly satisfied with silage as a cheap and abundant food for 
 young and growing animals. I am satisfied that with the silo 
 I can double the carrying capacity of my farm. I figure the cost of 
 silage at $1.75 per ton, which is about as low as it can be produced 
 upon our New England farms. I value 2;^ tons of my silage against 
 one ton of best hay. Respectfully, J. W. COOK. 
 
 BiDDEFORD, Me., February 24, 1890. 
 
 The E. W. Boss Co.: 
 
 Yours of the 22d at hand. Would say I have been using ensilage 
 five years. My silos are cheap — built with stone under the sill. 
 From the sill to the high beams, double-boarded and paper between. 
 Capacity, 100 tons, which I grew on eight acres. I am very much 
 pleased with the silo, and would not think of doing without it. I 
 keep 18 Jersey cows, make butter altogether, for which we get 35 
 cents per pound. We feed one feed in the morning and one at night 
 with a small amount of grain, and one feed of hay at noon. We 
 use Blunt's Ensilage Corn. It takes about five days to fill our 
 silo. We cover immediately with double boards, and shovel on a 
 layer of dry sand. We do not lose any silage to speak of. We feed 
 silage until the last of May, On silage our stock gain in flesh all 
 winter. I estimate that our silage costs us $1.50 per ton. I use a 
 Ross Cutter, and call it a most complete machine. Quite a number 
 of our best farmers in this vicinity feed silage with the very best 
 results, both for butter making and for milk. 
 
 Yours respectfully, D, A. BURNHAM. 
 
 - 3S- 
 
J. E. Rodger's Experience in "All the Year 
 Round " Feeding Silage. 
 
 BiNGHAMPTON, N. Y., April 21, iSqo 
 TlieE. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 Dear Sirs —Your letter received. I am glad to answer your 
 questions so far as I understand the facts wanted. We feed ensilage 
 to our cows the year round. We keep an average of about loo head 
 or more in the winter, and less in the summer. Our stock is in fine 
 condition. We turn from 30 to 4c head each year for beef, which are 
 fatted while we milk them. We allow our best cows to come in, 
 wdth us. The grain ration for the past two years has cost us for cows 
 for the year $25.53. The grain is gluten meal (in damp state) and 
 cotton seed meal. This grain ration and about 50 pounds of ensilage 
 per day has produced in 1888, 3,041 quarts of milk per cow for the 
 year as an average of our dairy. In 1889 the average per cow was 
 3,175 quarts of milk. This year we hope to make it 3.300 quarts per 
 cow. I know of no dairy of native cows that has, on dry feed, pro- 
 duced this amount of milk. Our cows are not pastured, the feeding 
 of silage being continued throughout the year. Our average yield 
 of corn is about 18 tons per acre. We have settled on the Leaming 
 corn as the best for this locality. We use 8 quarts of seed per acre. 
 Our silos are 30 feet square inside, and 24 feet deep. We fill as fast 
 as we can, putting in 70 tons per daj-. The silage is sweet to the 
 smell, but somewhat tart to the taste. There is some loss from 
 several causes, possibly 15 per cent. From our experience no man 
 has any business to pasture land worth from $50 to $100 per acre, or 
 land that will produce 15 tons of silage corn per acre. The silo, we 
 find, enables us to keep three times the stock that we could on the 
 old plan. Very truly yours, J. B. & J. E. RODGER. 
 
 From T. W. Skinner. 
 
 Mkxico, N. Y., April 4, 1890. 
 The E. W. Boss Co.: 
 
 GenTi^emen — Last year, having bought the old homestead, 
 where I helped my father clear the land over fifty years ago, I was 
 told by my neighbor that if I made a success of farming in these 
 times I must build a silo and raise corn enough to fill it. As the 
 farm is what is called a dry farm, not adapted to grass, I at once 
 «et about building a silo by changing a 15x30 foot bay into one, 
 first laying a good wall with mortar up to the sills, about two feet. 
 Then put in sufficient girths between the posts to make it strong. 
 I then boarded it up all around on the inside with hemlock 
 boards,; then a course of heavy tarred paper, then another course of 
 
 — 39 — 
 
hemlock boards. I ^had a partition in the middle, making two silos 
 of 14 X 14 each. These opened by doors upon the barn floor, from 
 which the ensilage is fed to 20 cows, who stand about the silo in 
 the form of an "L." The cost was less than $100, and was filled 
 with corn cut with one of your No. 14 A Cutters, the power being: 
 a four-horse Sweep, also bought of you. Only three horses were 
 used. The corn was drawn and silo filled gradually, as a man 
 would do his other farm work. No weights were used. When filled 
 a quantity of swale grass was cut and put on top. The corn was 
 w^ell glazed. Each silo would hold 60 tons, and one was opened 
 when the cows were put up for winter. Four kinds of corn were 
 planted, to-wit: Pride of the North, Selzer, Southern "Soo" and 
 Sheep Tooth corn. The Pride of the North was the only one that 
 had ears of any amount, and another year shall plant Pride of the 
 North and the improved Learning. As the work was all done by 
 man on farm and without hiring I could not give the expense per 
 ton of storing the ensilage. I am feeding 20 cows, and they have 
 hay once a day, and are in fine condition, and will give more milk 
 on' ensilage than on dry fodder. The No. 14 A Cutter and Horse- 
 Power are just the things to have on a farm. A farmer can cut his 
 ensilage at his leisure, and also his corn stalks and his straw in the 
 winter. Yours truly, T. W. SKINNKR. 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 Important Testimony from Edgar Huidekoper. 
 
 MeadviIvLE, Pa., April 4, 1890. 
 Tlie E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 Dear Sirs — In reply to your letter, I did not weigh my corn 
 fodder as it went into the silo, nor did I keep accurate account of 
 the amount put up of the diiferent lots, but I know some things 
 about it which, if not concerning details, is concerning general 
 results. M\ ensilage corn had to be planted a second time 
 (B. & W. corn). The second planting w^as on May 20th. It grew 
 well — made a great crop. Seven and a half acres of it filled a silo 
 ig}4 feet square, 16 feet deep, but it was not sufficiently mature 
 September 26th to 31st to make the best of ensilage. On October 
 7th we began putting the balance of B. &. W. corn into the new 
 silo, and this lot comes out better. September 23d. 24th and 25th 
 my men cut up some field corn which was husked later. After 
 getting the B. & W. corn into the silo the men cut up all the 
 field corn on October 4th and 5th and shocked it October 7th. 
 They began putting this into the silo, and it made extraordinar}' 
 fine silage. It came out amber color, sweet and in splendid form. 
 
 — 40 — 
 
Then we were delayed until October 21st. On that day until the 
 24th we put into the silo the field corn that Avas shocked up Sep- 
 tember 25th, part of it being husked. This silage came out of the 
 pits this winter in a darkened state as to color, but it fed well. 
 During the filling of this silo we sprinkled it down with several 
 barrels of water. There was some loss, but not much in the aggre- 
 gate, mostly at the top and corners. This was due, T think, to 
 insufficient treading and not enough wetting, which would have 
 produced more heat, and so secured better settling. I do not think 
 the loss so great as it would have been if I had left the corn stalks 
 in the field, or tried to house them some other way. Much of the 
 B. & W. ensilage corn had splendid ears ready for table use, but I 
 was satisfied the corn should be ready to husk to give best results, 
 and I would prefer to cut some of the field up and shock it than to 
 put it in before it gets to the husking condition. This season I pro- 
 pose to plant several kinds, B. & W., Yellow Dent, Leaming, etc., and 
 keep the B. & W. to cut into the silo along with the dryest toward 
 the end. I think the B. & W. being green will have enough water 
 to spare some to the dry stalks which will go in, with alternate loads, 
 and thus be an advantage to both, and the dry will not require to be 
 sprinkled. But the season and condition of the corn crop will 
 determine me in some respects when the time comes. I think we 
 should put oats into the silo to save buying bran, and see if this 
 expense cannot be avoided. When we were putting the field corn 
 into the silo my neighbors thought me a fool to spoil such a splen- 
 did crop, but they now admit it was a good thing. This season I 
 shall put enough ensilage to feed from August to June, and put the 
 silo to a further test and see if it is the best wav to soil mv stock. 
 Yours truly, EDGAR HUIDEKOPER. 
 
 Phii,adei.phia, Pa., Februarv 24, 1890, 
 IheE W. Ross Co: 
 
 Genti^Kmen : — I have used ensilage for the past ten years with 
 good results. My silo is built of stone on a side hill, filling on the 
 upper side and taking out on the lower side. The inside and bottom 
 are cemented. The bottom has an incline to the extreme end, with 
 a small dish in the ground for any juices that accumulate to run 
 off. The walls are 16 to 18 inches thick, well laid in mortar. When 
 thoroughly' dry put on the cement, two layers, after an interval of 
 several days (each layer). I use southern field corn planted in drills, 
 and when the ear is in the milk cut and fill leisurely, treading 
 down as filling. After nearly full let it settle three or four days, 
 and then fill up above the plates on wall and let it settle until even 
 with plates. Then put on a layer of chaff corn with plank and put 
 a few good-sized stones on each plank. As jou take out the 
 ensilage at one end cut it down as you would hay, and place the 
 plank and stone on plates, to be ready for another season. I feed to 
 
 — 41 — 
 
my milch cows two rations a day of a half bushel each, mixed 
 with one quart corn meal and three quarts bran, well mixed; one 
 ration of hay at night. My cows come out in the spring witti a 
 sleek coat and in fine condition. I consider ensilage a fine food, 
 fed as above. 
 
 I have written more fully than I anticipated when I began this 
 letter, as I have had a long experience in this feeding, having a 
 dair}^ of 125 cows. I take great pleasure in giving my testimony in 
 favor of ensilage. Very truly 3'ours, 
 
 J. E. KINGSIvEY. 
 
 Frostburg, Pa., March 15, 1890. 
 The E. W. Boss Co.: 
 
 I shall only speak of what I have learned by actual experience, 
 extending over five years, during which time I have spent consider- 
 able time, labor and money, with diversified results. In this essay I 
 shall only give you the conclusions at which I have arrived, and by 
 which I expect to govern my practice in the future. 
 
 I think I can raise 10 tons of ensilage on the same land that 
 would produce one ton of good hay. 
 
 Two tons of ensilage has a feeding value equal to that of one ton 
 of good hay. 
 
 All kinds of stock will eat ensilage in preference to hay. 
 
 A ration composed of two-thirds ensilage and one-third dr}- feed 
 and grain will keep stock in as good condition as it is possible to 
 keep them on dry feed, and will not cost half as much money. 
 
 All farm stock will eat a good ration of ensilage daily for an}- 
 desired length of time without becoming tired of it or experiencing 
 any bad results therefrom. 
 
 I have fed it to cows in all stages of gestation without an}- evil 
 effects. 
 
 The silo may be filled fast or slow, as is most convenient, and 
 the ensilage harvest may extend through several weeks if so desired. 
 
 Feeding may be begun in six wrecks from time of filling the silo, 
 or may be deferred any length of time desired. 
 
 Ensilage is as good feed in summer as in winter, and is therefore 
 a safe guard against frost or drought. 
 
 The feeding value of a crop is not increased by being placed in a 
 silo ; but is preserved in succulent palatable form, and stock will do 
 as well when fed good ensilage at any time of the year, as they would 
 do if fed a like amount of the same crop when in the condition in 
 which it went into the silo. This fact enables the farmer to provide 
 for his stock a supply of feed sufficient to last the entire year, and 
 answers the same purpose that pasture does during a few weeks in 
 summer. It also gives all the advantages of soiling in summer, 
 
 — 42 — 
 
without the objectionable feature of having to cut and haul in the 
 needed supply each da}^, regardless of cf>ndition of weather or 
 pressure of work. JAS. McCRACKIN, Jr. 
 
 FRANKI.IN, Pa., March 17, 1890. 
 The E. W. Boss Co.: 
 
 GenTlkmen— In the spring of 1888 I concluded to build a silo. 
 Never having been inside of one and onh^ once on the outside, I had 
 to depend principally on my own judgment, and what information I 
 got from your book on Ensilage and Silos, and Hoard's Dairyman. 
 My building is 23^x37^^ feet inside; set on a good 6 feet stone 
 foundation laid in cement. Commenced feeding eight weeks after 
 silo was filled. It was taken out by beginning at one end of the pit 
 and cutting it down as needed. It looked brown when it came out, 
 but on close examination I found a green tinge in it and can hardly 
 say whether it was a dark green or a light brown. It was almost 
 sweet, and every animal on the farm, that could get it, ate it. The 
 cows increased in flow of milk as soon as they began eating it. I 
 never used feed that seemed to please the cattle so well, or that kept 
 them in as good condition. I do not think that in 1888 I lost 5 per 
 cent, of the corn in the silo and in feeding it out. I am not able to 
 tell what ensilage cost me per ton, but am satisfied that the cost, 
 although usually under-estimated, is less than that of any other feed 
 equally as good, and that there is no other food as good for milch 
 cows or to raise calves on. I raised fifteen heifers last year and 
 when spring came they looked fully as well as they did in the fall, 
 if not better. My first year's experience with the silo was an un- 
 doubted success, and the No. 17 Cutter was all I needed and gave me 
 entire satisfaction. I was so much pleased with ni}- success in 1888, 
 that I built another pit 16x273^x16 feet deep in 1889, and concluded 
 to feed ensilage almost exclusivel}'. I planted 20 acres of corn aud 
 as I had 10 acres of bigjclover, I concluded to put it into the silo. I 
 cut the clover, although it was a job. I also put in about eight acres 
 of heavy oats, cut when it was just about half-colored. Put both 
 clover and oats m without waiting for them to wilt, and some of the 
 oats was wet with dew. I can harvest and cut oats into the silo 
 cheaper than I could cut and thresh them, and by putting them into 
 the silo I can be almost independent of the weather. They made 
 excellent feed and I expect to put in more oats the same way. It 
 this is done well and the pits covered with either grass or earth (dry 
 straw is no good), (I elevated the earth with my Ross Carrier) so that 
 the heated air cannot escape or the cold air get in, there need be 
 little, if any, loss in filling clover or oats into the silo. This year I 
 shall plant 25 acres of corn for the silo, and should my oats prove to 
 be heavy or the season unfavorable, I will also put them in. It is 
 not expensive and I can soon build another pit if I need it. About 
 farming and stock feeding, one thing is certain ; if we cannot 
 
 — 43 — 
 
make it pa}' with the silo, we surely cannot do so without it. 
 Our Cutter is just the thf&g, but every man should have two sets of 
 knives if he cuts clover, so as to keep one set sharp, as the grit in the 
 clover and the hard stalks will take the edge off of an}- knife ever 
 made. One set does nicely for cutting corn. 
 
 Yours truly, S. P. McCALMONT. 
 
 MARYLAND. 
 
 Gaithersburg, Md., February lo, 1890. 
 The E. W. Boss Co.: 
 
 Dear Sirs — My silos are above ground structures with 3x10 
 studding lined up inside with two thicknesses of 3ellow pine, with 
 lining of tarred papers. The floors are simply packed clay, coming 
 up on the inside to top of the sills. I have four pits 12x14, ^^^ 
 10x12, and they cost me complete, $250. I do not use any weights. 
 Two of the silos were not covered at all, and two were covered with 
 a little straw on which a few cords of stove wood was thrown. I 
 usually open one of them about eight weeks alter filling. My stock 
 is in excellent, thriving condition. Dry fodder has no comparison 
 with good silage. I am feeding 40 head of stock. Have used the 
 silo for four vears. Yours truly, 
 
 N. D. MUNRO. 
 
 Gaithersburg, Md., March 17, 1890. 
 The E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 Gentlemen — In reply to your favor of the 6th inst. would say I 
 have been using ensilage two years and do not know how any farmer 
 can keep cows economically without it. My silo is built in the barn 
 all above ground. I used a part of my driveway. Size of silo^ 
 8x13x14. I inserted some extra studding in the barn frame and 
 lined it on the inside with double white pine-boards one inch thick 
 by twelve inches wide, with building felt between boards. I laid the 
 boards horizontally for the reason that the air is by that means pre- 
 vented from entering the silo when filled, as it would do were the 
 boards put on perpendicularly. It is a mistake to suppose that a 
 building in which to preserve ensilage must be expensive. Mine 
 cost about $25, and my ensilage is perfect, even to the very boards. 
 I filled it in three days with the assistance of five men and four horses ; 
 two horses at the power, the other two at the wagons, cutting up 
 one load while the team drew another. Three acres produced 
 enough corn to fill the silo which holds, according to the estimated 
 weight per cubic foot, about 40 tons. The corn was planted three 
 feet one way, and from 10 to 12 inches in drills. I think, had it been 
 husked, it would have yielded fifteen barrels per acre. No one 
 should plant corn for ensilage too thick to produce a heavy growth 
 
 — 44 — 
 
of ears, as well as fodder, for it is safe to presume that a stalk, which 
 has one or two heavy ears of corn on it, has more nutriment than the 
 same weight of thin, spindling fodder, without ears. I prefer to cut 
 my ensilage when the grain has just left its milk state. I feed bran 
 with silage, and a little dry corn fodder at noon. I put the cost of 
 my silo at $i.oo per ton. If I had to return to the old ways of 
 keeping cattle, I would quit the business. In building a silo, care 
 must be taken to keep the rats from burrowing through the bottom. 
 Respectfully yours, C. E. MEAN. 
 
 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Mr. Gray's Views. 
 
 Richmond, Va., March 19, 1890. 
 The E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 GenTi^emen — I first built a " dug out " silo in a clay bank some 
 ten years ago, and filled with cut fodder, covering it with a layer of 
 clay. I then built a stone silo 12 x 12x32 feet, costing $400, but the 
 silage in it did not keep as well as that in the clay bank. With later 
 experience I think a silo should be built for f i per ton capacity. I 
 find that corn, to make best ensilage, should be in the roasting stage 
 when cut. I prefer to shook my corn and let it stand a week and 
 harden the sap before cutting it into the silo. I think it makes 
 sweeter silage. Corn should be grown and all expenses added and 
 put into the silo at a total cost of $2 per ton for the silage. Beef 
 cattle and milch cows changed from silage to best dry corn fodder, 
 and no change in grain, will at once commence to fall off in flesh 
 and milk. Had cows so fed shrink 25 per cent, in milk and butter. 
 Yours truly, F. GRAY. 
 
 Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College- 
 Experiment Station. 
 
 Bi^ACKSBURG, Va., February 28, 1890. 
 The E. W. Ross Co : 
 
 GenTIvEmen — Yours of recent date came duly to hand. In reply 
 I state the following facts, which ma}' be of interest to you : 
 
 Method of Construction — Our silo is built upon a strong clay 
 soil, which is dug out to the depth of two feet, with solid bottom of 
 concrete plaster. Brick walls twelve inches in thickness were run 
 up twelve inches above the ground. Upon this were laid in cement 
 stringers of white oak 12 X 12. In these stringers were uprights of 
 
 — 45 — 
 
19 feet, 4^4) placed twenty inches apart, an ordinary roof being 
 placed upon this. The walls of the silo were of double plank, and 
 sawdust rammed compactly between. It has answered our purposes 
 admirably so far. 
 
 How Filled — The silo was filled by cutting the stalks to half- 
 inch lengths with the Ross Cutter, using the elevator, or carrier, to 
 dump the matter thus cut into the receptacle. We cut daily until 
 we had filled the silo to a depth of y/i feet, when operations were 
 suspended until the temperature w^ould rise to about 132 degrees, 
 when operations would be resumed. The substances used in filling 
 were cut the day preceding and allowed to lie in the field and wnlt 
 slightly before being hauled up and deposited in the silo. 
 
 Arnount and Kind of Weights Used for Pressing— We placed 
 upon the upper surface of the silage a piece of parchment paper, 
 covering it completely; upon this ordinary inch boards nicely 
 adjusted, so as not to open or hang upon the walls, and so placed as 
 to break joints. Upon this we put a weight of stone of about thirty 
 pounds to the square foot. Cost of silage, $1.50 per ton. 
 
 Condition of Stock — Experience has shown us that there is a 
 great advantage in using silage as an adjunct to dry food with store 
 cattle and milch cows, and that for young and growing cattle, when 
 fed alone as a long feed, with a proper addendum of corn, there is 
 no equal to it. For ewes and store sheep during winter and spring 
 there is nothing, in my opinion, so good. 
 
 Comparison Between Dry Fodder arfti Cut Silage — To answ^er 
 this question would require a considerable amount of work, which, 
 I am sorr}' to say, I am not able to do at present. I would state, 
 however, that the analysis of the silage made here upon the plants 
 which -ive used has shown that we get a larger per cent, of dry 
 matter than is shown by any analysis upon which I can lay my 
 hauds. The nutritive ration, however, is wider, and seems to require 
 a considerable addition of nitrogenous matter. 
 
 Very cordially, W. B. PRESTON. 
 
 Director. 
 
 Spottsyi^vania County, Va., March 25, 1890. 
 Ihe E. W. Ross Co.: 
 
 GentIvKmen— In reply to your letter would say our silos are 
 three in number, 30X 15x21 feet deep, side by side, with door open- 
 ings on to feeding floor. We built on hillside, and the first nine feet 
 are concrete sixteen inches thick; above that framing, with dead air 
 space, two thicknesses i-inch boards with tar-paper between. The 
 silos occupy one-fourth of the space of a $5,000 barn, and we can 
 give no separate estimate of their cost. We fill slowly and let it get 
 very hot ; pack well in corners and cover with two feet of green 
 weeds, put on in layers and tramped. Use no other weights or cover 
 
 -46- 
 
and do not lose an ounce weight, there being no trace of mould. 
 We aim to have our fodder fully mature and put up 400 tons. We 
 begin feeding at once and. find no harm in it. We use Southern 
 White corn mostly, but mix in cow-peas and Sojo beans, the latter 
 making prime ensilage. We run a winter dairy of Red Polled cattle, 
 and are convinced that without ensilage we could not manage at alL 
 We have been feeding ensilage five years, and each year like it 
 better. It is as sweet as honey and the cows thrive on it amazingly, 
 giving quite double the amount of milk. We use a Ross Cutter for 
 corn, cutting X'i^ich, and desire no better machine. We have a 
 26-foot angle Carrier, with 32-foot extension, and can change into 
 any one of the three pits in two minutes. Our cutter is stationary 
 in the barn, belted from a main shaft, and we run the carrier also 
 direct from the main shaft at a less rate of speed, one-half, than when 
 geared on the machine itself; this, where practicable, is a great 
 improvement. There is no going back on the Ross Cutter. 
 
 Yours truly, PIERSON BROS. 
 
 WEST VIRGINIA. 
 
 Martinsburg, W. Va., March — , 1890: 
 The E. W. Boss Co.: 
 
 Genti^emKn — I built a silo in the summer of 1888, 21 feet square 
 b}' 22 feet deep, dividing into three pits; one pit 10)^x21 feet, the 
 other two 10^ feet square each; the small pits being for spring 
 feeding when it is not desirable to have too large an area of ensilage 
 exposed to the warm weather. I built a stonewall 8 feet high and 
 on it placed a T4-foot frame, double-boarded with paper between the 
 boards, cemented the walls but will line up with boards next the 
 walls the coming season, as the silage keeps much better against the 
 boards than it does against the stonewall. I think it is no exagger- 
 ation to state that I get more feeding value out of one acre in the 
 silo than I did with two acres the old way, for corn can be cut and 
 placed in wagons in the field as cheap as it can be cut and shocked 
 (and corn once on wagons, the hardest work about ensilage is over,) 
 then corn can be hauled from the field and run through the cutter 
 and elevated b)^ a carrier to the pits as cheap as it can be shocked 
 and fodder tied in the field; the ensilage having the advantage in 
 cost over the cut and dried process of picking up the shocked corn 
 in the field and loading on the wagon, unloading at the crib, 
 loading and unloading the fodder, cutting the fodder and crushing- 
 the corn. The hauling is not taken into consideration, costing 
 about as much by one process as the other. In conclusion I would 
 urge upon every farmer to give the silo a trial, and they will find, 
 as the Oueen of Sheba did of Solomon's glory, that "The half has. 
 not been told." Yours truly, C. A. WEVER. 
 
 — 47 — 
 
FROM THE EMPIRE STATE. 
 
 [ From Dairy Commissioner J. K. Brown.] 
 
 AI.BANY, N. Y., April 8, 1890. 
 The E. W. Boss Co. : 
 
 Dear Sirs — In response to yours of the 3d instant permit me 
 to say that our progressive dairymen have given the subject of silos 
 careful attention, and hundreds of new ones are to be built this 
 season. Old prejudices are fading out, and the silo is now regarded 
 by our most intelligent farmers as a necessity. In fact, it is difficult 
 to see how dairying can be made at all profitable in our climate 
 without a good well-filled silo for winter use. Our experience has 
 not been as extensive as that of some others, but so far we have 
 found it all that its most enthusiastic friends claimed it to be. The 
 silo alone will not make a dairyman rich, nor add largely to his 
 income, but by having the large quantit}' of cattle food which can 
 be cheaply provided by using the silo, and then by feeding such 
 cheap products as wheat, bran, middlings, etc., he can profitably 
 keep a much larger herd, and steadily and surely increase the fer- 
 tility of his farm. I believe the silo to be a good thing for both the 
 farmer and the farm. Yours very respectfull}-, 
 
 J. K. BROWN. 
 
 One- Fourth More Butter. 
 
 Rodman, N. Y., ■ — , i89o. 
 
 The E. W. Boss Co. : 
 
 Gentlemen — I built a silo., last season. Its dimensions are 
 24 X 30 feet, and 25 feet deep ; capacity, 300 tons. It is built of stone 
 to a height of 13 feet, remainder of wood, and cost $800. I planted 
 eighteen acres of corn, mostly of common field variety, which 
 yielded an average of 12 tons to the acre, very rich in grain. I con- 
 sider two tons of ensilage as worth one of hay. Filled my silo very 
 slowly, giving ample time to heat. Opened one-fourth of silo 
 November ist. Found the ensilage in prime order, being perfectly 
 sweet, except two or three inches next to the wall. I am feeding 
 milch cows 45 pounds per day in three feeds, with from three to 
 four pounds of hay and two pounds of ship stuffs. Am making 
 one-fourth more butter on this feed from the same cows than I did 
 last winter, when I fed 12 pounds of corn, oats and wheat, ground 
 and mixed, together with all the good hay the cows would eat. Have 
 a dair} of 20 cows, mostly fresh. Never had them to do so well. 
 Ensilage is a success with me so far, and I do not think any dairy- 
 man can afford to do without a silo. N. D. RALPH. 
 
 -48- 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 D0D27t,bllS4