but as they continue in growth the carbohydrates are developed to 

 a greater extent than the protein, until when full and late bloom are 

 reached the relation of the jnotein to the carbohydrates is as 1;7 

 or 1:12. The clovers and clover-like plants on the other hand 

 contain, if cut in bloom, fully as much protein as the pasture her- 

 bage.* Again pasture grass contains less woody fiber than the 

 coarser fodders of the cultivated fields and is consequently more 

 tender. It probably has a more desiruble flavor as the animals 

 seem to prefer it to the fodders and grasses nearer maturity. In 

 addition to the superiority of pasture grass, the system of pasturage 

 when practicable, is the most economical way of caring for and feed- 

 ing the dairy herd. 



Unfortunately many pastures, owing to neglect and 

 Summer soil- continuous cropping have become quite inferior, and 

 ing a substi- dairy animals depending upon them for their food 

 tute for pas- supply, are often obliged to travel over large areas, 

 turage. and even then do not secure sufficient food to keep 



in good flesh and to maintain the flow of milk. The 

 droughts so likely to occur during the summer months often render it 

 necessary —if the herd is to be kept in a profitable condition — to fur- 

 nish additional food, even should the pasture be considered good. 

 Again some dairymen do not have sufficient pasturage, while others 

 in the vicinity of large towns have little or none. When therefore 

 pasturage is not obtainalile, or only to a limited extent, it becomes 

 necessary to supply other fodder material to take its place, and a 

 system of entire or partial soiling results. 



B. DESIRABLE FORAGE CROPS. ' 



Forage crops may be divided into two classes, non- 

 Non-legumes legumes and legumes. Botanically these two classes 

 and legumes, have many distinct characteristics. It is simply 



necessary to state in this connection , that the legumes 

 are distinguished from the non-legumes by having the so-called 

 " butterfly flowers," by being able to take nitrogen from the air, and 

 by containing at the same stage of growth, considerably more pro- 



*When forage crops take the place of pasture grass, it is desirable tliat mix- 

 tures of the clovers and similar plants be grown together with the grains and 

 grasses, in order to secure more protein than is to be found in the latter. Such 

 mixtures usually contain 1 protein to G or 7 carbohydrates. (1 :6 or 7.) 



