147 



XOTE by Dr. J. A. VOELCKER. 



The analyses in the following pages represent the chemical composition of the several 

 grasses and clovers opposite \\hich they appear. Each variety was grown separately 

 and was perfectly pure ; the sample being taken, in every instance, as nearly as possible 

 at the time \x-hen it would have been cut for hay. 



In these analyses for the first time the relative amounts of true albuminoids have 

 been determined directly, and not, as in previously recorded results, merely given by 

 calculation of the total nitrogen into albuminoids. It will be observed that in every 

 case a very considerable proportion of the ' Total Xitrogen ' exists in a non-albuminoid 

 form, and that these proportions vary much in the individual grasses. It is not 

 intended in these remarks to indicate more than the chemical features brought out 

 by the analyses ; for it must be apparent that chemical analysis alone cannot fully 

 determine the relative values of different grasses and their suitability for permanent 

 or other pastures. The adaptabilitj' of some kinds of grasses for certain soils, the 

 amount of growth attained, the time of maturity, the length of duration, the ability 

 to resist drought, the strength to overpower weeds, and other circumstances, must 

 of necessity be taken into account. As far, however, as the chemical properties are 

 concerned, the analyses show that the several grasses, cut just as they would have 

 been for haying, have very different nutritive properties. These differences are most 

 marked in respect of the water, the total nitrogen and albuminoid nitrogen, and in a 

 somewhat lesser degree in the digestible fibre, soluble carbo-hydrates, &c. 



The varj-ing proportion of water in different grasses constitutes a point of much 

 importance, for while the jaeld of two kinds may be equal in bulk, the nutritive 

 properties of one may be far superior to those of the other. Xot only must this 

 be borne in mind when the grasses are used in the fresh or green state, as, e.g., for 

 ensilage, but also in considering them in the dried state, as hay, when, practically 

 speaking, the value of the diy matter in each must be taken into account. For this 

 reason the analyses of the grasses in the dried state, viz. at 212° Fahr., have also 

 been given. If any special grasses are to be selected out of the number by reason of 

 the high nutritive properties they possess, Alopeciirus pratensis, Festuca ovina. Poa 

 nemoraUs, and Poa trivialis must be named among the first, and then Lolium perenne, 

 Phleum pratense, Anthoxanthum odoratum. Lolium italicum. and DactijJis glomerata. 



In the first four named, together with Lolium perenne and Phleum pratense, the 

 amounts of total nitrogen and true albuminoids are considerably higher than in the 

 other grasses. Xo one grass, taking the different nutritive properties together, excels, 

 in a chemical sense (though others nearly approach), Alopecurus pratensis, which, 

 besides being rich in flesh-forming constituents, contains also a high amount of 

 digestible matters. \\liile not being so highly nitrogenous in character as other.s 

 named, Anthoxanthum- odoratum, Lolium italicum, Dactylis glomerata, and Avena 

 jiavescens are specially rich in digestible carbo-hydrates, &c. 



The olovei-s are marked by the high proportions of nitrogen and true albuminoids 

 they contain, and by their small amounts of indigestible woody fibre as compared 

 M"itli the grasses. This may be best seen by a comparison of the analyses in the dried 

 state, bearing out. as tliev do, the practical value of clover hay. Among the clovers, 

 Trifolium pratense and Trifolium hybridum stand out prominentl3-. 



(Signed) J. AUGUSTUS VOELCKER. 



XOTE AS TO THE ILLUSTRATIONS. 



The illustrations were di-a^'i-n from fine but not extravagant specimens. As an 

 instance I may mention that near the Timothy represented on page 172 there was 

 gro\ring a very much larger head, which measured rather more than nine inches. 



Each flower or portion of a plant is drawn to the exact natural size, but it has 

 required care in some cases to bend the plant in such a manner as to bring the total 

 length within the limited space of one of these pages. 



iL4ETIX J. SUTTOX. 



L :2 



