j^76 GRASSES OF IOWA. 



"In conclusion we would say that our experiments here have 

 thoroughly demonstrated that millet, when used entirely as a 

 coarse food, is injurious to horses. First. In producing an 

 increased action of the kidneys. Second. In causing lame- 

 ness and swelling of the joints. Third. In producing infusion 

 of the blood into the joints. Fourth. In destroying the text- 

 ure of the bore, rendering it softer and less tenacious, so that 

 traction causes tbe ligaments and muscles to be torn loose. 

 The experience of many farmers with whom I have talked con- 

 firms the above conclusion, and we could multiply case after 

 case showing that the al:ove conditions are the results of feed- 

 ing millet." 



Very recently the North Dakota Station has published the 

 results of further experiments on the subject of feeding millet. 

 Two tests were made. In the first trial two geldings in good 

 health were fed hay and grain for about two weeks. Millet 

 was then substituted f* r hay for about ten days. 



Recently Ladd* has isolated a glucoside from the aqueous 

 extract of millet hay, wli'ch, when fed in small quantities, 

 gave the characteristic symptoms. 



From the experiments made by Dr. Hinebauch and others, 

 it would appear that feeding millets alone as coarse fodder 

 is injurious to horses. It produces an increased action of 

 the kidneys, and causes lameness and swelling of the joints. 

 It causes an infusion of bliod into the joints, and destroys the 

 texture of the bone, re' deringit soft and less tenacious, so that 

 the ligaments and muscles are easily torn loose. 



In a paper on millet by A. A. Crozier, f the experience of 

 several farmers is given as to whether millet is injurious or not. 

 The tFstimony given differs greatly. Some claim it is injuri- 

 ous while others claim it is not. The condition of maturity 

 seems to make a difference as to its injurious qualities. 



Mechanical Injuries and Obstructions. 



Aiunecl grasses. — Under the subject of dissemination, reference 

 was made to the subject of the fruits of stipa burying themselves 

 in the flesh of sheep a , d other ani qq als. It has long been known 

 that the Stipa capillata, L., indigenous to Russia, and th^ Stipa 

 spartea, native to North America, as well as Aristidahygrometrica 

 Br. , native of Q ueensland, aad Heteropogon contortus, native of New 



*A.m Chem. Jour. 20: 862. 



tMlllet, Bull. Mich. Agrl. Coll. K'cp. Sta. 117: 14. 1894. 



