AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 257 



The Secretary read tlie following translations made by him 

 from the works received by the Institute from Europe, etc., since 

 the last meeting, remarking that for the most part we receive the 

 papers from Europe before they reach any other part of the 

 Americas. 



[London Farmers' Magazine. July, 1856.] 



The Grasses at different stages of their growth. By Cuthbert W. 



Johnson, Esq., F. R. S. 



That grasses vary in their nutritious quality, at different sea- 

 sons, is an old observation. The first spring crop of grass of 

 irrigated land, as food for sheep and their lambs, is well known 

 for its superior value. The second crop varies materially — they 

 tell you " it rots the sheep." 



Prof Johnson has carefully analyzed these grasses at various 

 periods. We extract as specimens : 



Water. Ash. 



April 30, 87.58 1.28 



June 26,... 74.53 2.24 



• WAY'S ANALYSES. 



First crop. Second crop. 



• Flesh making, ...25.91 10.92 



Fat, 6.53 2.06 



Heat — from starch, gum, sugar, 32.05 43.90 



Woody fibre, J 25.14 . 34.30 



Ash or minerals, 10.37 8.82 



Silica,.. 9.24 34.11 



Phosphoric acid, _ 9.31 5.56 



Sulphuric acid, 3.55 4.23 



Carbonic acid, 11.62 1.15 



Lime, ._ 9.50 9.13 



Magnesia, 2.47 2.49 



Peroxide of iron, 1.31 0.62 



Potash, 90.00 22.13 



Soda, 0.09 0.0 



Chloride of potassium, 0.00 17.40 



Common salt, 2.91 3.14 



These chemical examinations might not only be usefully ex- 

 tended, but that they lead to several other subjects of inquiry. 



