VALUE OF PEAT MOLASSES FOR FEEDING. 265 



genous substances of peat are those black elements which are 

 soluble in ammonia. Experiments under special official 

 auspices have shown that when they are submitted to artificial 

 digestion the nitrogenous elements remain inactive; for 1.3 total 

 nitrogen there was only 0.08 that had become soluble. The 

 other elements of peat are apparently not assimilated, and if 

 they offer no objectionable features during their absorption, com- 

 paratively little fault may be found with their use. That it is 

 a ballast appears a secondary consideration as compared with 

 the advantages it offers as a wonderful molasses absorber. The 

 Toury peat molasses combination has the following composi- 

 tion: Water 19.00 per cent., ash 8.91 per cent., sugar 31.70 

 percent, various soluble substances 20.93 per cent, insoluble 

 substances 19.46 per cent. This molasses fodder consists 

 mainly of 24 per cent, peat and 76 per cent slightly steam- 

 diluted molasses. Experience has shown that horses eat it with 

 avidity, and in every respect there are striking advantages to be 

 derived from its use. The nitrogenous substances it contains 

 are those black compounds before alluded to, and they may, 

 with the amides, be considered as the calorific elements and be 

 added to the carbohydrates. Experience in France has shown 

 that the total cost of 100 kilos of this forage, as delivered at the 

 factory, is one cent per pound or one dollar per hundred 

 pounds. As an example of a practical ration for horses per 

 1000 pounds live weight, may be mentioned crushed wheat 

 7.65 Ibs., hay 6.00 Ibs., wheat bran 1.50 Ibs. In France this 

 ration costs about 50 cents. It has been found advantageous 

 during June only, due to the special climatic conditions found 

 in the country, to substitute another ration consisting of crushed 

 wheat 3.4 Ibs., peat molasses fodder 3.00 Ibs. and hay 6.0 Ibs., 

 costing about 32 cents. After July the ration consists of 

 crushed wheat 3.37 Ibs., peat-molasses 3.5 Ibs., hay 6.5 Ibs. 



At the Toury factory" this ration appears to offer considerable 

 economy, amounting to over fifty dollars per horse per annum. 

 Furthermore, the horses were kept in a most healthy condition. 

 No colics followed, and their appetite continued good through- 

 out the period of feeding. 



The molasses-peat combination should be sold at a reasonable 



