144 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 



Of the relative digestibility of these hays, we have no data, but we may fairly con- 

 clude, I think, from the results of this examination that there is a fair margin in favour 

 of the upland hay. 



SEDGE HAY. 



This hay, although known in the maritime provinces as ' sedge ' hay, contains, as a 

 rule, very little of the true sedges (which may be very easily distinguished from the 

 grasses in possessing triangular, solid stems), but is made up principally of species of 

 spartina which grOw in salt marshes and along sea beaches. 



The sample examined, forwarded by Dr. W. W. Andrews, Sackville, N.B., consisted 

 entirely of Sj^artina juncea. 



Analysis of Sedge Hat. 



Constitutents. 



Moisture 



Crude protein* 



Fat 



Carbo-hydrates. . . 



Fibre 



Ash 



* Non-albuminoids. 

 Albuminoids 



Hay, 



as recei\'ed. 



100 00 



Calculated on 

 water-free 

 substance. 



100 00 



102 

 4-38 



110 

 4-80 



These results indicate for the sedge hay a certain feeding value, though it is not 

 equal to the larger number of cultivated grasses. It compares very favourably with 

 Spartina cynosuroides (fresh water cord grass), much esteemed in many parts of the 

 maritime provinces, and known as * Broad Leaf.' 



In writing of this hay (S. juncea) Dr. Andrews, who has given much careful atten- 

 tion to the matter, says : ' All the facts that I can gather as to the sedge hay are 

 favourable to its use. It can be used to the extent of one-third to one-half of the coarse 

 ration, and many farmers report excellent results from a mixture of half and half witli 

 other hays. Horses turned out on 'sedge' areas are said to do remarkably well.' 

 Further, he states : ' That it has proved valuable for mulching, and will decay in a 

 season when so used or in compost.' Probably its large percentage as ash, consisting 

 chiefly of common salt, may enhance its mulching qualities as well as add somewhat 

 to its fertilizing value. 



ROOTS. 



Continuing the determination of dry matter and sugar in field roots in order to 

 ascertain the extent to which these constituents may vary from season to season, we 

 have this year again examined the chief varieties of mangels and Swedes, in addition to 

 certain sugar beets and new varieties in mangels rich in sugar. 



