GRASS AND HAY. 29 



the leaves of roots contain a far larger proportion of 

 oxalic acid than does the root itself hence the scour- 

 ing effect produced by this poisonous acid when the 

 leaves are given ; and that moderate sized, well matur- 

 ed roots are infinitely more nutritious and wholesome 

 than monster ones. 



Grass and Hay. I am convinced from long experience 

 that the maintenance of good condition in the horse 

 is much more dependant on the proper supply of grass, 

 than on that of corn. If possible, only doob grass 

 called hurry alee in Madras should be used. It is that 

 peculiar root-grass that grows on, or rather in the 

 surface^ of most sandy soils, spreading itself as a 

 creeper, so that it cannot be cut like the ordinary kind, 

 but has 'to be rooted up (cheeled) with a sort of trowel, 

 called in Hindus tan ee a kurpa. One or two days' 

 drying in the sun will be sufficient to prepare it for 

 horses doing fast work. In some districts it is neces- 

 sary to convert a quantity of it into hay for consump- 

 tion during the rains. 



The grass, before being given, should be carefully 

 picked, and beaten in order to get rid of the dust 

 and earth that may adhere to its roots. The grass- 

 cutters should not be allowed to wash it, as they often do, 

 before bringing it in, with the object of making it look 

 fresh and green, and sometimes, to make it weigh heavy. 



I have abridged the following remarks on grass and 

 hay from a paper by M. L. Grandeau, which appeared 

 in the " Journal d' Agriculture Pratique," and which was 

 translated in the " Mark Lane Express." 



Growing grass possesses a waxy envelope which pro- 



