288 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 171. 



In accordance with our instructions Mr. Prescott selected four average 

 plants on each of the plots from which a sample was desired, and removed 

 the entire tops from the crowns. Each plot sample was wrapped in paper 

 and then put in a jute sack for shipment to the laboratory. 



The samples arrived at the laboratory on October 23 with the outer 

 sacks somewhat wet as though rained upon, which was not unlikely since 

 the period was especially rainy. On opening the sacks the tops were 

 found to be damp, and a slight mold was observed on some of the twigs. 

 The material was cut into short lengths with a fodder cutter and spread 

 above the steam coils in the greenhouse. 



A few days later the samples were quartered and the subsamples were 

 dried in the steam-heated oven until they could be readily ground and 

 sifted. 



Partial Composition of Asparagus Tops. 

 Midsummer Tops. 



Late Fall Tops. 



Partial Composition of Asparagus Tops. 

 Midsmnmer Tops. 



Late Fall Tops. 



Ash in dry matter, . 

 Protein, . 

 Pentosans, 



8.06 



7.06 



20.83 



