COMPOSITION OF ALFALFA 295 
the loss of protein, which resulted in a considerable 
relative gain in the amount of fiber. This storage 
loss was to be expected, as the chief losses were 
probably mechanical, due to the shattering of the 
leaves, which are richer in protein and poorer in 
fiber than the stems. The chief point of interest is 
the very large quantity of dry matter obtained in 
the year’s growth, nearly six tons, and the large 
proportion of nitrogenous substance, or crude pro- 
tein, contained in it (2,327.7 pounds) equivalent 
to that in about 7.5 tons of wheat bran. 
Variations will occur in samples from different 
fields and in different years, but it is thought that 
the analyses given here fairly represent what may 
be expected as to variations in the composition of 
the different cuttings, and the losses that occur 
in handling when made and stored as hay. 
Alfalfa as a soiling crop 
Alfalfa is one of the most useful of the soiling 
crops, because it is ready for use early in the 
year, and because three to four cuttings may be 
had each year. In the East, the first cutting is 
ready about the latter part of May or first of June, 
the second, usually within a month or five weeks, 
and the third and fourth usually four to six weeks 
after cutting the preceding crop. It possesses 
more nearly than any other crop the very great 
oO 
