GRASSES OF IOWA. 



373 



CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. 



Two samples of Agropyron occidentale were analyzed by the 

 section and gave the following results: 



Sample 1. June 10, 1896, wild along- railroad, 30 to 32 inches high. 

 Sample 2. June 20, 1896, 32 to 3-i inches high. 



NATURAL CONDITION. 



WATER FREE SUBSTANCE. 



Sample 1. 

 Sample 2. 



4.72 

 2 34 



12 20 

 9 95 



(11.90) 



( 8.69) 



29.21 

 34 14 



8.93 

 7.75 



44.94 



45.82 



Both samples have nearly the same amount of water present, 

 62.64 and 64.63 per cent, but when we compare the constituents 

 in the dry condition we find that sample 1 has about twice the 

 amount of fat that is present in sample 2. 



Sample 1 has also more protein than No. 2, 12.20 per cent 

 compared with 9.95 per cent; this is true with the albuminoids, 

 11.90 per cent for the young sample, while the older one has 

 8. 69 per cent. There is also quite a diiference in the amount 

 of crude fiber present, 29.21 per cent for the early sample, 

 wnile 34.14 per cent is present for the late sample, while the 

 amount of nitrogen free extract is nearly the same for both of 

 the samples, that is 44. 94 and 45. 82 per cent respectively. The 

 ash, however, is somewhat larger for the younger sample. 



QUACK GRASS. 



In this connection a few Tvords in regard to couch or quack 

 grass (A. repens, Beauv.), which has been both condemned and 

 praised by agricultural writers. The grass is extensively 

 naturalized in many parts of the United States. It is frequent 

 in many parts of this state. This species probably occurs in 

 perhaps every county in the state, but only in small spots here 

 and there, and it is not a factor in the production of hay in this 

 state. Couch grass is a valuable hay grass, but, as Lamson- 

 Scribner* says, "It binds itself out, and the sod requires 



*Bconoiilc Grasses. BuU U. S. Dept. Agrl. Div. Agrost. 14:7. 



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