Ensilage stack, Westbrook experimental farm

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[052]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 152 x 201 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph of a large ensilage stack in the process of construction. A man can be seen standing atop the stack while men and horses assist nearby. The title of the image is 'Ensilage stack. Westbrook exp'farm.'History"On Wednesday a number of gentlemen attended at the experimental farm at the invitation of Mr. Tardent, to witness an ensilage stack in course of erection. A fine crop of American Amber cane was being neatly cut by the Tardent Rustic Cutter, and drawn to the ensilage stack. This latter comprised a foundation of stones surmounted with logs, thus raising the bed of the stack about 2ft. from the ground. Four posts stood about 20ft. high at each corner, one being used as a derrick to raise the stuff. The American Amber cane is very similar to what we know as sorghum, though of a sweeter nature, evidently containing more saccharine matter, thus proving a better fattening article. The cane is carted to the stack, where it is bound in small sheaves and the seed tops cut off, when it is laid on stack, stem outwards. This process of building will go on until the stack is completed. An ingenious method is adopted for ascertaining the temperature of the stack from the bottom upwards.. At intervals a piece of iron piping is laid in the stack, protruding a few inches outside. Down these pipes a thermometer can be thrust right into the heart of the stack, and the temperature obtained.' - Brisbane Courier, 7 March 1898SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.