I^lAKUxVL OJF CATTLE-FEEBIKG. 37 



at tlie expense of the albuminoids of the protoplasm, ^^hidl 

 aie decomposed with formation of asparagin. Under noi- 

 mal conditions, the latter is regenerated to protein, but 

 itnder certain circumstances it may accumulate in the 

 plant. 



According to Schulze, various amides are formed in this 

 process, some of which are rapidly regenerated, while 

 others are utiized but slowly, and hence aecumnlate in 

 comparatively large quantities. 



This view is supported by the results of Kellner,* who 

 found a considerable amount of amides in a large number 

 of growing plants. His experinxents weie made chiefly on 

 fodder plants, in some of which over SO per cent, of the 

 total nitrogen was found to exist in amide form, but con- 

 siderable quantities of these bodies w^ere also found in the 

 green parts of several species of trees. 



Furthermore, Schulze and Urichf have shown that 

 beets, and, presumably, other roots, contain large quanti 

 ties of amides, and that in the second year's growth they 

 pass into the plant and serve as a source of protein. 



Amides have also been found in considerable amounts in 

 potatoes, where they doubtless perform a similar function. 



It is but recently that investigation into the proportion 

 of amides in fodder-plants has been begun, and our knowl- 

 edge of the extent of their occurrence is still quite limited. 

 In view of the importance of the matter, it is earnestly to 

 be desired that it should receive a speedy and thorough in- 

 vestigation, extending at least so far as to determine the 

 average proportion of albuminoids and non-albuminoids 

 in our common feeding-stuifs. 



* Landw. Jalirbucher, VIII , I Supplement, 248. 

 + Veibucbs-Stationon, XX., 214. 



