METHODS OF CULTIVATION. 229 



relative proportions during the different periods of the 

 growth, which results have been rendered practically 

 available on the farms alluded to, according to the pur- 

 poses for which the ryegrass was cultivated. Dr. Anderson 

 found that young Italian ryegrass, seventeen days old, 

 and 17 to 18 inches high, and weighing about 9 or 10 tons 

 per acre, contained 86 per cent, of water ; and the same 

 ryegrass, when five weeks old, from 3 to 3J fee thigh, and 

 weighing about 20 tons to the acre, contained only 74 per 

 cent. In the former the nitrogen compounds existed to 

 the extent of about 3 per cent., while in the latter they 

 were reduced to 2-5 per cent.; but the latter contained 

 10'5 per cent, of starch, sugar, and other solid compounds, 

 while the former only contained 5*5 per cent, of the same 

 substances : therefore, in the mode of treating and of con- 

 suming the ryegrass, some consideration should be paid 

 to the object you have in view. If the object is to form 

 flesh and muscle, as in growing or in working animals, Mr. 

 Dickenson's plan of frequent cutting is perhaps the best ; 

 but if the object is the production of milk, or to feed and 

 prepare animals for the market, then it would appear that 

 the system adopted on the Ayrshire forms, of longer inter- 

 vals between the cuttings, so that the plants may be in a 

 more mature state, is the most advantageous to pursue. 



For dairying purposes this system of farming is particu- 

 larly suitable, as securing, during about nine months of 

 the year, a regular supply of nutritious and succulent 

 food. Cows will consume about 100 Ibs. a day, with the 

 addition of 2 or 3 Ibs. of corn or cake each, according to 

 the quality of the dairy. In feeding cattle, the same 

 quantity of grass, with a proportionate increase of cake, 

 should be allowed; while for sheep from 10 to 15 Ibs. per 

 day are generally found to be sufficient. All cattle are fond 

 of it, and are said to tire of it less readily than of clover 

 or other green food. 



