446 FORBES: MINERAL ELEMENTS IN NUTRITION 



Practically, it is much more frequently lacking in the food of 

 men and animals than is any other mineral nutrient. Lime as 

 applied to the soil liberates organic nutriment and enriches the 

 grass in calcium. It stimulates the growth of grass and makes it 

 a better food for animals. In a sense, "All flesh is grass." Lime 

 also maintains in the soil conditions favorable for the growth 

 of legumes. The legumes draw heavily upon this lime and 

 furnish it to animals in quantities not approached by any other 

 food plants. Through the activity of the bacteria which cause 

 their root-nodules they are enabled not only to store nitrogen 

 in abundance but also to feed the grasses with which they are 

 associated. Thus the lime in the soil favors the growth of le- 

 gumes. Lime and legumes favor the growth of grass. Grass 

 and legumes control the breeding of livestock. Grass, legumes, 

 and livestock control the destinies of nations. 



