290 



MAIfTUAL OF CATTLE-FEEDIKG. 



are of interest in tliis connection. The fodder grew on a 

 heavy clay soil, and consisted, for the most part, of timothy 

 {Phlewn ]}rate7%se\ with a slight admixtm-e of red clover. 

 One sample (I.) came from a part of the field which was 

 in an ordinary state of fertility ; the other (II.) was taken 

 from spots where the excrement and urine of the grazing 

 animals had caused an especially luxuriant growth. The 

 two samples had the following composition in the water- 

 free state: 



II. 



Protein 

 Per cent. 



Ciude 



tibre. 



Per cent. 



Pat. 

 Pel cent. 



Nitrogen- 

 free extract. 

 Per cent 



ILO 

 20 3 



23 5 

 26.6 



4 2 

 4 8 



56.3 

 41.8 



Ash 

 Per cent. 



6.0 



7 



The differences are very eonsiderahle, especially in the 

 amount of protein and nitrogen-free extract. 



It is noticeable that the greatly increased percentage of 

 protein in II. is accompanied by a not inconsiderable in- 

 crease in the quantity of crude fibre, in consequence of 

 which the digestibility of the protein i^ most probably 

 diminished. According to practical experience, a very 

 rank fodder, such as grows on heavily-manured land, and 

 especially in wet and shady places or in wet seasons, is 

 l^ot especially nutritious, even though it contains much 

 crude protein. This may be partly because the protein is 

 less digestible and partly because the bulk and coarseness 

 of the fodder render it unpalatable- Moreover, high ma- 

 nuring, especially with nitrogenous fertilizers, tends to in- 

 crease the proportion of "non-protein," which is less 

 valuable, in some respects at least, than true protein. 



Jt woul4 be very Interesting tq make systematic diges- 



