138 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



1-2 EDVv,aRD VII., A. 1902 



alfalfa by two and four cuttings, respectively. 3. The feeding values of (a) corn, 

 and (b) clover, before and after ensiling. 4. The amounts of dry matter and sugar 

 in farm roots. 



In addition to the foregoing, we have examined sugar beets grown in the North- 

 west Territories, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. 



The recent increase in the price of meals and ' concentrates ' in general has caused 

 a keen interest on the part of farmers and dairymen in the comparative feeding values 

 of the various milling by-products upon the market and much correspondence has been 

 received on this subject. There is a desire on the part of many feeders to have the 

 composition of the high-priced by-products — as regards protein and fat contents — 

 stated by the manufacturers. It may be remarked that in several of the United States 

 a law to this effect is in force, and the request appears to be a reasonable one. If it is 

 considered desirable or necessary to afford protection to the purchaser of plant food in 

 commercial fertilizers, it may well be argued that it. is equally desirable and necessary 

 to protect the interests of those buying animal food in the more expensive forms 

 (gluten meal, &c, &c.) now coming into such extended use. In tabular form we pre- 

 sent the analytical data obtained on a series of samples of germ meal, gluten meal and 

 other important by-products in the manufacture of corn starch and glucose, examined 

 in the laboratories here during the past year. Many of these materials are seen to 

 have a high feeding value, but a consideration of the whole shows that there is suffi- 

 cient difference in their nutritive qualities to make this inquiry one of importance. 



Insecticides and Fungicides. — Analyses have been given of several brands of lye 

 used in Canada and recently examined by us, as well as of certain other compounds 

 used in the preparation of spraying mixtures. 



Soft Pork Investigation. — The analytical work in connection with this research 

 was brought to a close in May of the current year. The compilation of the data, which 

 were very voluminous, and their consideration necessarily occupied a considerable 

 time, so that it was well on in the year before the results and the deductions therefrom 

 were ready for the press. We are glad to state, however, that in Bulletin No. 38, of 

 the Farm Series, our conclusions from this important investigation have now appeared 

 and been distributed. It is gratifying to note that this work has received the com- 

 mendations of many engaged in pig raising and the pork packing industry, as well as 

 the agricultural press. 



Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus). — It being held by some that the seed of this plant, 

 which is now somewhat extensively grown in parts of Ontario, possessed poisonous 

 qualities, a very thorough search was made by chemical means, but with negative re- 

 sults. This pea was also fed, almost exclusively, under our immediate supervision for 

 »ome weeks to fowls, but no injurious effects could be observed. 



'Well Waters from Farm Homesteads. — A tabulated statement is given of the data 

 obtained upon the samples submitted to analysis, together with a brief report as to the 

 wholesomeness of the waters. It is gratifying to note that on comparing these results 

 with those of former years, there appears to be a decided improvement in the quality of 

 farm waters. 



It seems again necessary to point out that instructions as to collection and ship- 

 ment should be obtained before sending samples, in order to avoid mistakes that fre- 

 quently render the analysis valueless. 



Investigations in Progress. — A considerable amount of work has been done on the 

 analysis of honey, chiefly with the view of distinguishing between ripe and unripe 

 samples. It has been discovered that the ordinary analytical methods in vogue for 

 determining the percentage of water in this article are defective and do not yield ac- 

 curate results. Further work is necessary, and it is confidently hoped that during the 

 coming year we may be able to perfect our processes. We shall then be in a position 

 to furnish reliable information as to the composition of Canadian honey and to ascer- 

 tain what differences may exist between the ripe and unripe product. 



