1887.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 59 



ble matter left behind from a given weight of samples of the 

 same kind of a fodder plant of a corresponding stage of growth 

 indicates in the majority of cases their respective higher or 

 lower economical value for feeding purposes. Agricultural 

 chemists, for this reason, usually begin their examination of 

 fodder plants with a test for the determination of the amount 

 of dry vegetable matter left behind, when carefully brought to 

 a constant weight at a temperature not exceeding 110° C. 



The taller varieties of corn are not necessarily the more 

 valuable kinds for the production of fodder; on the contrary, 

 it would be more judicious, on general principles, to doubt 

 their superior fitness for that purpose until otherwise proved. 

 This statement applies, in particular, to some varieties re- 

 cently transferred to our section of the country; forthey seem 

 to require an exceptionally rich soil to yield the best results 

 they are represented to be capable of producing. Raised in a 

 soil of moderate resources of plant food, little of the latter 

 can be left over, after the production of their tall stocks and 

 bulky leaves, to assist in the formation of valuable organic 

 compounds, as sugar, starch, fat, nitrogenous matter, etc., to 

 enrich the entire plant. The same mode of reasoning applies 

 to the raising of exceptionally large-sized roots, potatoes, etc. ; 

 they are usually but partly matured, and thus of a watery, 

 indifferent taste. 



The general character of the climate and the physical and 

 chemical condition of the soil control the local adaptation of a 

 plant for successful cultivation. Extremes of season and one- 

 sided modes of manuring are apt to modify the growth of a 

 plant and thereby alter its composition. To learn how to 

 check an inherent tendency of a plant to a rank growth, in the 

 interest of a fairer chance for a complete maturity of the final 

 crop, is most desirable information to secure; for success in 

 that direction insures not unfrequently a superior pecuniary re- 

 turn. A careful study of the special characteristics of the 

 plant on trial under the influence of existing local resources of 

 the soil and of the prevailing local features of the weather during 

 the growing season alone, can furnish a safe guide .for the 

 attainment of the desired end. 



The determination of the relative feeding value of difierent 

 samples of the same kind of plants raised under difierent cir- 



