80 THE CONNECTICUT AGRICULTUEAL 



that they began to change color and the time when they became 

 brown (" dead "). The corresponding gain is found chiefly in the 

 fiber and also in the ether extract. The relative amount of potash 

 in the second period is only one-third of what it is in the first, 

 the relative amount of phosphoi-ic acid is much less, while lime, 

 silica and phosphoric acid are relatively more abundant. 



The same changes to a less extent are noticed in the chestnut 

 leaves, except that there is a loss instead of a gain in ether extract. 



These analyses show the composition of the leaves at different 

 periods, they do not prove an absolute loss of nitrogen, potash, 

 etc., during the fading of the leaves, though such a loss no doubt 

 occurs. The percentage a,mo\\nl?, of these elements can be less- 

 ened either by the withdrawal of them from the leaves or by the 

 further deposit of fiber, fat, etc., in the leaves. 



Between Nov. 13th and March iVth, the dry matter of the oak 

 leaves has become, pound for pound, somewhat poorer in nitrogen, 

 fiber and ash, and the ash has lost in large part its potash and 

 phosphoric acid. In this case the loss must be absolute as well 

 as relative, for there can scarcely be any other than a physical 

 connection between the leaf and the wood of the tree. The loss 

 has been occasioned by the weathering and leaching of the leaver 

 in the winter storms. 



From the analyses of the oak and chestnut leaves gathered on 

 Nov. 13th, it is seen that the newly fallen leaves, with about 30 

 per cent, of water, contained in 100 lbs :' 



Oak. Chestnut. 



Nitrogen 54 lbs. .67 lbs. 



Potash .17 .38 



Phosphoric acid . - .26 .23 



Stable manure with VO per cent, of water, contains about .5 lbs. 

 nitrogen, .4 lbs. potash and .5 lbs. phosphoric acid. While the 

 nitrogen in stable manure is readily available, it is likely that 

 that of fallen leaves is comparatively inert. 



The amount of leaves which fall yearly, according to Eber- 

 mayer,* varies considerably, being larger in wet seasons than in 

 dry, larger on a rich soil than on a poor one. It also varies with 

 the thickness of the woods. Other things being equal, trees pro- 

 duce more foliage when standing apart than when standing in 

 dense woods. 



* Versuchs-Stationen: XVIIL 63. 



