AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 89 



extractive matter is, in the case of fodder plants, made up of 

 substances of which we have very little definite knowledge. Enough 

 is known, however, to make it reasonably certain that the carbo- 

 hydrates (sugar, starch and gums) are the most valuable part of 

 the non-nitrogenous compounds of a hay, the fats excepted, and 

 therefore, that the larger the percentage of the nitrogen-free ex- 

 tractive matter, which exists as carbohydrates, the more valuable 

 the fodder, other things being equal. Consequently, it is reason- 

 ably certain that the nitrogen-free extractive matter of the grains 

 has a greater nutritive value than that of the coarse fodders, because 

 in the former case it is made up almost wholly of starch and the 

 sugars. 



If it were found then that one species of grass, or grass cut at a 

 particular time, was comparatively rich in starch and sugar, it might 

 safely be considered a point in its favor. With a portion of these 

 fodders an attempt has been made to ascertain the percentages of 

 the more valuable carbohydrate material, viz., that which, after 

 taking out the ordinary percentage of crude fiber, exists as the 

 sugars, and as starch and other compounds that by treatment with 

 an acid are changed to sugar. 



The following table contains the percentages of the sugars, and 

 starch in the fodders. The term "starch" is intended to include 

 all material, not sugar, that is inverted by the treatment with an 

 acid.* 



*0n following pages of this report can be seen the methods employed by Mr. Bartlett in the 

 determination of the sugars and starch. The method used for starch and other material 

 subject to inversion to sugar by an acid seems to have especial merit, as it provides that the 

 production of sugar from crude fiber shall be no more and no less than is the case in crude 

 fiber determinations, and that all other carbohydrate compounds shall be completely inverted. 



