MAKUAL OF CATTLE-FEEDING 305 



of clover are especially rich in protein, and tliis protein is 

 probably far more digestible tlian tliat of the stems. In 

 one observation the dry matter of the leaves was found to 

 contain 22.3 per cent, of protein and that of the stems 

 only 12 per cent., while of the total quantity of protein 

 more than half was contained in the leaves. In other 

 cases still greater differences between stems and leaves in 

 this respect have been found. 



All these considerations show tlie importance of avoid- 

 ing these mechanical losses, so far as possible, by rapid 

 curing, carried no further than is necessary, and an avoid- 

 ance of much handUng. 



EfPeet of Wetting, — Clover is still more liable to suffer 

 loss by rain than meadow hay, since from 25 to 40 per 

 cent, of its dry matter is removable by extraction with 

 cold water. 



The loss consists largely of soluble portions of the nitro- 

 gen-free extract, and to a loss degree of protein and ash, 

 while the crude fibre is naturally bnt little affected. As a 

 consequence, the residue contains nmch more fibre and 

 much less extract in 100 parts, while the percentage of 

 protein is usually little changed. 



An extreme example of the deterioration of clover con- 

 sequent on exposure to rain is affoi*ded by the two follow- 

 ing analyses made at Mdckern. 



The two samples grew in the same field, and were ent 

 at the same time^ — at the beginning of flowering — ^but 

 No. 1 wm cured quickly without any essential loss, while 

 Ko. 2 was exposed for fourteen day^ to almost daily 

 heavy shoVi^ers. The latter, when it was finally dried, ap- 

 peared of tolerable qnality, and conld still be used as fod- 

 der, but a diemioal Examination showed that it had lost by 

 extraction and fermentation 27.4 per cent, of the original 



