The ensiling qualities of unwilted coarsely-cut 3 crop alfalfa were compared to those of the same crop finely cut and bruised. Four silages prepared by each method were evaluated after 145 days storage in sealed 4" x 8" silos. Average values for chopped and bruised silages, respectively, were: pH, 4.8 vs. 4.1; butyric acid (per cent of dry matter) 2.5 vs. 0.2; lactic acid (per cent of dry matter) 2 vs. 8; percent preservation of stored dry matter, 85.3 vs. 94.8. No spoilage occurred in any of the silages. The pre-ensiling treatment of forage can have a marked effect on the quantity and quality of silage produced in well sealed silos.