NATTIEE AND VALTJE OF FOOD. 41 



The hay, though much richer in oil and protein compounds, 

 does not contain so large a proportion of non-nitrogenous 

 elements as the straw, and we may fairly calculate that the 

 straw is worth two-thirds as much as the hay. Now hay, such 

 as this, would be valued at about 50s. a ton for consumption, 

 and therefore the straw may be estimated at from 30s. to 35s., 

 whereas the actual manuring value of the same would probably 

 not exceed 10s. to 12s. The loss from treading such material 

 into manure, instead of passing it through the animals, must be 

 apparent. Let us remember, moreover, that other straw is even 

 more valuable than the oat. Pea haulm, cut early and well 

 harvested, is most valuable, quite equal to much of the artifical 

 hay from poor land, and such material should be taken the 

 utmost care of. This fact is not recognised, and in valuations 

 between tenants we find that pea haulm is put in some counties 

 actually lower than wheat straw. 



Bean straw, especially if the pods are attached, is more valu- 

 able than is generally supposed ; and though, from its hard 

 woody nature, it is not so adapted for food as softer straws, 

 still a portion may be used with advantage ; while, as we are 

 now in the habit of cutting it in a much greener condition than 

 formerly, it should not be overlooked as a source of food. Bean 

 straw is increased in value by steaming, principally by being 

 made softer, and therefore more easy of digestion, but to a 

 limited extent its solubility is increased. Enough has been 

 advanced to show that straw is a valuable part of our natural 

 food, and when properly made may be economically substituted 

 for hay in the feeding of cattle. The cost of chaff-cutting, on 

 the most economical plan, will not exceed about 6s. a ton. Now, 

 the use of chaff enables us to effect a great saving in the 

 consumption of roots ; and as roots hauled off the land are very 

 expensive food, costing probably from 7s. 6d. to 10s. a ton, this 

 is one great feature of modern farming. The pulper, by 

 mashing up the roots, causes the juices to mix with and saturate 

 tbe chaff, and thus we produce a composition that is readily 

 eaten, and obtain the same effects as formerly with half the 

 quantity of roots. A fatting animal does not require more 

 than about 701b. to 801b. of roots, which may be distributed 

 through some 201b. of straw. 



