The Grasses, Fresh and Cured. 185 



266. Losses due to weathering. Stockhardt 1 cured one sample 

 of meadow hay in three days and left another in the field for 

 thirteen days in alternate wet and dry weather. Analysis showed 

 that the weathered hay lost 12.5 per cent, of its total dry sub- 

 stance> representing one-fourth of its original nutritive value. 

 Marcker 2 calculated the loss of meadow-hay exposed through a 

 prolonged and heavy rain as 18.4 and 1 7.6 per cent, of the dry sub- 

 stance. This heavy withdrawal of the soluble portion of the 

 hay leaves more woody fiber and indigestible matter proportion- 

 ately, which renders the hay more difficult of digestion. Then, 

 too, the aroma of forage will be dissipated by exposure. 



II. The Common Grass Plants for Pasture and Soiling. 



267. Kentucky blue grass. This grass, often called "June 

 grass, " is found everywhere in the Northeastern states. By its 

 persistence it often drives out red clover and timothy as meadow 

 crops, and holds in pastures, open woodlands and roadsides against 

 all other claimants. As shown by the table, this grass is the 

 richest in digestible protein and ether extract of any in the list, 

 a finding borne out by the experience of stockmen. The char- 

 acteristics of Kentucky blue grass exhibited in its habits of growth 

 should be understood by the stockman to guide him in wisely 

 using it. Because its seed ripens with the commencement of sum- 

 mer, Kentucky blue grass prepares for that event by gathering 

 much of the nutriment necessary in seed production the preceding 

 fall. With the coming of spring it pushes forward vigorously, 

 and early in May the fields are covered with a dense carpet of 

 nutritious grass. "With the shooting of the grass stems for seed- 

 bearing the last of May, the energies of the plant reach their cul- 

 mination and there is a cessation of growth. The blue grass has 

 entered a period of rest, and for a few months there is little evi- 

 dence of life. If at this time drought occurs, the pastures turn 

 brown and the plants appear to be dead or dying. With the 

 coming of the fall rains all is changed and a green carpet again 

 covers the pastures. The blue-grass plants have passed the rest- 

 ing period and are again gathering nourishment for the next 

 summer's seed bearing. 



1 Wolff, Farm Foods, English edition, p. 155. * Loc. cit. 



