1912.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 53 



may be considered fairly uniform. The coefficients secured by 

 us are higher than the average for all other experiments, prob- 

 ably due to the early cutting of the crop. 



When tbe average of the clover coefficients is compared 

 with the average of our reported coefficients for alfalfa, it is 

 noted that in case of the total dry matter the former shows to 

 advantage, although the reverse is true in a comparison of the 

 experiments reported for all trials. The protein in the clover 

 is shown to be substantially 12 per cent, less digestible than in 

 the alfalfa ; in case of the average for all trials the diiference 

 is IG per cent. In case of the fiber the conditions are reversed, 

 — differences of from 5 to 8 points being noted in favor of 

 the clover. The comparative digestibility of the extract mat- 

 ter is about the same, although the average figures show 7 

 points in favor of the alfalfa. In making a comparison of the 

 two plants from the standpoint of digestibility, two important 

 differences are noted: (1) the protein in the alfalfa is notice- 

 ably more digestible than in the clover (12 to 16 points), and 

 (2) the fiber from 5 to 8 points less so. In total digestibility 

 the two plants approach each other, showing an average of 

 about 00 per cent, as against 55 per cent, for timothy, 60 per 

 cent, for early cut fine hay, 65 per cent, for rowen, 70 per 

 cent, for the entire corn plant, and 85 per cent, for corn meal. 



It is evident that the relative value of the two crops cannot 

 be determined from their digestibility alone ; other important 

 factors to be considered are cost of production and yield and 

 adaptability to Massachusetts conditions. Taking all the evi- 

 dence into consideration it would appear that although the 

 cost of seed and preparation of land is somewhat against the 

 alfalfa, yet its much greater length of life, its larger average 

 yearly yield, and its rather superior nutritive value are all 

 in its favor. The conditions governing its successful culti- 

 vation must be carefully studied by all interested in its pro- 

 duction. To the lack of attention to these conditions by the 

 average farmer is due, in no small measure, the failures re- 

 ported. 



