ANALYSIS OF COBS. 



251 



Analysis of Cobs, representing approximately the Relative Quantities of Starch, 



Sugar, &fc, present. 



Professor Hlubeck, 1855. Southern Austria. 



Professor P. Collier, 1878. Maryland. 

 Nitrogenous matter 



Starch 

 Fat . 



. 2.33 



Not det. 

 . 0.72 



Sugar 2.62 



Non-nitrogenous extract matter . . .. . .42.69 



Cellulose 36.10 



Ash 1.12 



Water 14.42 



Nutritive ratio 1 : 20 



The nutritive ratio in case of the cobs is based ujpon the 

 results of the chemical analysis ; for no actual test regarding 

 the digestibility of each of its proximate constituents has yet 

 been made. The composition of the corn-cobs is similar to 

 that of the corn-stalks ; and as the corn-cobs are treated, as 

 a general rule, with more consideration in harvesting and 

 keeping for winter use, on account of the kernels, it is safe 

 to say that they are, in most cases, equal, if not superior, to 

 corn-fodder. The high rate of soluble constituents (forty-six 

 to fifty-six per cent) places corn-cobs in competition with 

 many of our grasses : they compare most favorably with the 

 straw of most of our winter and summer grains. These 

 statements apply in particular to our climatical condition, 

 and to late varieties of corn, where the final process of growth 

 suffers more or less from the inclemency of the season, leaving 

 reserve material in the cobs, which otherwise would move 



