FORAGE LEGUMINOS^ 



301 



Aibizzia stipulata (Tree). — The leaves of this tree are suitable for 

 fodder and are used as such in India. 



Aibizzia Lebbek (Tree). — Aibizzia Lebbek is a large tree with 

 deciduous leaves. When green these make an excellent fodder, and 

 when they fall decay and enrich the soil. 



The proximate composition of the leaves furnishes a proof of its 

 value : — 



Water 



Ash 



Cellulose 



Pat 



Non-nitrogenous matter 



Nitrogenous matter ... 



100-00 



The dried leaves are not used for fodder, their high cellulose 

 content making their consumption difficult. They serve rather to 

 enrich the soil through the nitrogen, organic matter, and mineral 

 elements which they contain. 



Dry leaves 

 Water ... ... ... ... ... 9-42 per cent. 



Ash ... ... ... ... ... 8-48 ,, 



Cellulose 



Fat 



Non-nitrogenous matter 



Nitrogenous matter ... 



The mineral composition is as follows : — 



Aibizzia Lebbek bears large flat pods about 20 cm. long by 3 cm. 

 broad. If the dry husks were pounded up they might be used as an 

 absorbent in food mixtures. 



The pods contain hard, smooth seeds, -A-hich form an important 

 nitrogenous food when they are crushed up. 



Their nutritive value is very high : — • 



