ence on the local character, aud thus the comparative feedhig value 

 of the hay obtained from different places, it has to be conceded, that 

 the absence of a more detailed information regarding the particular 

 character and condition of the vegetation, etc., which served for the 

 production of the above described hay samples, imparts to our ana- 

 lytical results, in the majority of cases, (from 3 to 6), a mere local 

 interest. A comparison of the various samples seems to confirm tlie 

 prevailing impression, that tlie Black Grass (Juncus bulbosusj fur- 

 nishes a valuable fodder ; and that carefully secured marsh hay, in 

 many instances, as far as composition is concerned, compares favor- 

 ably with a large proportion of hay from " inland meadows." There 

 is scarcely another fodder crop on record of which the feeding value 

 depends so much on a judicious management of tlie farmer, as in the 

 case of hay. 



Tlie fact that our opinion regarding the actual and relative feeding 

 value of many of our fodder crops is still largely based on mere 

 chance analyses, instead of on a systematic inquiry regarding our 

 chances of securing the best results, is one of the principal impedi- 

 ments of arriving at a more settled opinion regiirdiug a rational 

 management of feeding our farm live stock. 



A chemical examiaation regarding the feeding value of an^' ol' our 

 fodder plants, begins obviously with a determination of the amount 

 of dry vegetable matter it contains ; and completes the task by ascer- 

 taining the exact quantity of each of the four groups of nutritive 

 compounds of which it is composed. The dry vegeta])le" matter of 

 most of our fodder crops changes comparatively quite rapidly during 

 succeeding stages of growth, in I'egard to quantity aud to quality. 

 The first requirement for an intelligent examination concci'iiing the 

 compai'ative value of a ibdder plant or part of plant, consists in 

 securing specimens of a corresponding stage of growth. Adding to 

 this a due consideration of the various circumstances under which 

 the plants under examination are raised, — results are attainable, 

 which may claim a general interest. I take the liberty of suggesting 

 in this connection, — to communicate rather with the officer in charge 

 of the Station before sending material of a similar character, and of 

 asking an investigation of a subject of similar importance. The 

 l)est interest of the farmeis and of the Station will be served by 

 tidopting that course. 



