138 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST OF 



Marsh Grass. 



Persons in different parts of the State have requested information in 

 regard to the fodder value of the " marsh grasses " that grow so abundantly 

 in some parts of our State. A very good specimen of this marsh hay was 

 obtained for analysis. The grass was cut in good season and before the 

 development of a strong silicious covering, or dense woody fibre. Hon. A. 0. 

 Glidden, who furnished the hay, says that it was relished by sheep, who kept 

 in good condition with the marsh hay as principal food. The marsh hay, as 

 received, gave the following results on analysis : 



Water, per cent 7.86 



Ash 4.20 



Crude fibre (woody) 27.55 



Albuminoids (crude protein) 7.00 



Ether extract (fat, etc.) 3.60 



Carbohydrates (nitrogen free extract) 49. 79 



100. 



These analytical results of marsh hay compare very favorably with those 

 of timothy hay. There is little doubt but that many kinds of the so-called 

 swamp grasses, if cut at the proper season and properly cured, will furnish 

 very valuable fodder. The proportion of digestible matter is larger than 

 commonly supposed. 



Reindeer Moss. 



As a mere curiosity to our people, the analysis of reindeer moss is here 

 presented. The moss grows in only a few localities in our State, and is 

 probably not used by any animals in our State. The specimen analyzed 

 was found at Port Sandfield, in the Muskoka region of Canada. Its appear- 

 ance was so unpromising as a fodder that some of it was brought home for 

 analysis, which gave the following surprising results : 



Moisture (driven off at boiling heat) 14.25 



Dry matter 85. 75 



100. 

 The dry matter gave the following : 



Crude fibre (woody matter) per cent 17.95 



Ash 1.29 



Crude protein (albuminoids) 4.10 



Ether extract (fat, etc.) 2.11 



Carbohydrates (nitrogen free extract) 74. 55 



100. 



The proportion of albuminoids is small, but the digestible carbohydrates 

 belonging to the starch and gum class are relatively large. 



