NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL 8UKVEY. 179 



Water, 81.564 



Dry matter, 18.436 



-Ash, 2.367 



A second specimen from the same bed, cut, June 8, gave, 



Water, '. 77.374 



Dry matter, 22.626 



Ash, 2.073 



As this grass approaches maturity, its inorganic matter de- 

 creases and its woody fibre increases. A third specimen ta- 

 ken when in full blossom, gave, 



Water, 68.50 



Dry matter, 30.50 



Ash, 1.00 



An analysis of the ash of this grass, gave me, 



Silica, 27.150 



Phosphates of lime, magnesia and iron, 19.250 



Lime, 0.112 



Magnesia, trace 



Potash, 10.350 



Soda, 26.985 



Chloride of sodium, 8.990 



Sulphuric acid, 4.811 



Carbonic acid, 1.455 



The same change takes place in the lolium perenne. These 

 experiments have an important bearing on the time they 

 should be cut for hay. It is well known that stock relish grass 

 and hay while it is succulent and juicy. After the woody 

 fibre is largely formed it is less palatable and more difficult to 

 masticate ; besides, it wears the teeth more, and less nutri- 

 ment is taken into the system. 



CYNOSURUS CRISTATTJS- CRESTED DOG's-TAIL. 



Its stems are about one foot high, stiff and smooth, provided 

 with fibrous perennial root, more or less tufted. Its stem being 

 hard and wiry, cattle usually refuse to eat it. In dry sheep 



