EDITORIAL. 689 



The second year's experiments (1889) were a comparison of concen- 

 trated feeding- stuffs and roots. The concentrated feeding stuffs in the 

 rations were partially replaced by roots in the i^roportion of 1 : 10 (ruta- 

 bagas) and 1 : V^^ (turnips). Forty-four pounds of ruta-bagas or 52.8 

 lbs. of turnips were also fed to other lots in addition to the regular grain 

 ration. Five estates coiiperated, with 186 cows in all. The results 

 showed that 10 lbs. of rutabagas or 12 lbs. of turnips were of approxi- 

 mately ei|ual value in the rations fed, both as regards the yield of milk 

 produced, increase in live weight, or straw eaten. The quality of the 

 milk produced by the lot fed concentrated foods with no roots was 

 on the average somewhat better than that produced when roots were 

 fed, except in case of the lot fed roots in addition to the concentrated 

 foods, the milk of which contained slightly more fsit than that from 

 the other lots. There was an increase in milk yield of 2.1 lbs. per 

 head per day when roots were fed as an additional food. 



The third year's experiments (1890) were a continuation of the exper- 

 iments of the preceding years, the only difference being in the quantity 

 of roots fed, which was somewhat larger. Eight estates took part in the 

 experiments, with 304 animals in all. The results of the second year's 

 experiments were confirmed in all essential points. 



In the fourth and fifth years' experiments (1891 and 1892) grains and 

 oil cakes were compared. Eight estates took part, and the number of 

 cows included was 480. An abstract of these experiments has been 

 given (E. S. R., 4, pp. 601-60G). 



The sixth and seventh years' experiments (1893 and 1894) were a 

 comparison of grains and wheat bran. Seven estates took i^art, 487 

 cows being included. An account of these experiments is given on 

 page 657 of the present number of the Record. 



Both on account of the large number of animals inchided in these 

 exijeriments and the systematic and painstaking manner in which they 

 have always been conducted, the results obtained come with a great 

 deal of force and carry conviction with them. When published they 

 have by general consent settled questions previously debated. The 

 infiuence of the experiments in European countries has also been 

 great, and they have for all time put an end to feeding experiments 

 conducted with one or two cows, or lasting only a couple of weeks or 

 less. They bear a relation to Danish dairying and to the dairy world 

 similar to that which the Rothamsted exi^eriments bear to general 

 agricultural practice. While of much more recent inception than 

 these, they have furnished us with equally reliable information con- 

 cerning the problems investigated. In originating and j)erfecting this 

 system of cooperative feeding experiments Professor Fjord has erected 

 a monument for himself that will always bear witness of his genius, 

 the usefulness of which is increased with each new investigation added 

 to the series. 



