86 



THE STOCKFEEDER'S COMPANION 



A phosphatic manure improved the yield of barley 

 grain considerably, but had little effect on the proportion 

 of phosphates in it. The potash manure did not 

 influence the yield of grain greatly, but it increased the 

 proportion of potash in the grain. The "complete" 

 mixture gave the lowest percentage of nitrogen, and 

 the highest percentage of potash. 



Stage of Ripeness when Harvested. This applies 

 more especially to seeds and meadow hay and straw 

 crops generally, as well as to roots. An example taken 

 from Warington's Chemistry of the Farm will indicate the 

 general effect on hay and, to some extent, straw crops. 



Table showing Variation of Composition of Meadow Hay. 



The grass on I4th May was quite young; on 9th 

 June it was in full flower; while on 26th June it was 

 dead ripe. The table shows that as the plant matures, 

 the proportion of nitrogenous matter and ash con- 

 stituents diminishes, while the proportion of carbo- 

 hydrates and fibre increases. At the same time the 

 amides are largely converted into albuminoids. Young 

 grass is richer in albuminoids and poorer in fibre than 

 older grass. When both bulk and digestibility are 

 taken into account, hay crops should be cut as soon 

 as the majority of the plants are in full bloom, because 

 after this point has been reached, the grasses become 



