478 Twi-x TV-EIGHT II Annual Rkport 



Yucca (Yucca data) No. 1 was young growth from w^iich the 

 leaves had been removed, leaving only the leaf bases; No. 2 was 

 somewhat older material. Sample No. 1 contained .19 percent of 

 saponin in the fresh material, and Nd. 2 contained .21 percent, 

 determined by precipitation with baryta water. No injurious ef- 

 fects were observed when this material was fed ad libitum. 



Sword beans {Caiia^vlia cusifonuis) were grown and used for 

 feed in Salt River Valley. They are said to yield well. Care should 

 be used in feeding these beans, since they are sometimes poisonous. 



The alfalfa straws are produced in threshing ripe alfalfa for 

 seed. They are much higher in fiber and lower in protein than the 

 alfalfa hays which are given for comparison. Alfalfa hay No. 1 

 was grown in Salt River \'alley ; alfalfa hay No. 2 was grown it 



Yuma. 



Sorghum refuse was the residue after the cane had been 



crushed for syrup. 



Cotton stalks hurds were produced by crushing the stalks U> 

 remove fiber for commercial purposes. The rather high protein is 

 due to the removal of the fiber and to the seed that remained in 

 unopened bolls. 



M I SCKLLANROUS ANALYSES 



On two occasions, when large numbers of livestock have died 

 without apparent cause, the chemists have examined material for 

 poisonous substances. A number of hogs, near Yuma, died in a 

 field of Sudan grass, giving cause to suspicion poisoning by hydro- 

 cyanic (prussic) acid, as is known to happen sometimes with 

 drought-stricken sorghums. The animal materials were badly de- 

 composed when received, but samples of the grass were sent to the 

 laboratory with the roots balled in damp soil when taken up. No 

 trace of hydrocyanic acid could be discovered in this grass. F<vi- 

 dence seemed to indicate that the hogs had died of heat and that 

 the Sudan grass was not at fault. 



In a second case a large number of sheep had died on the range 

 in northern Arizona. Careful examination of the stomach contents 

 by the Station botanist, Professor J. J. Thornber, failed to reveal 

 remains of lupines or other poisonous plants, although saltbush 

 leaves and other vegetation could be identified. Chemical analysis 

 showed the absence of hydrocyanide acid, arsenic and heavy met- 

 als, and strychnine. 



Several poultry and stock tonics that were being sohl to 



