RESEARCHES ON THE COMPOSITION OF FODDER. 339 
theory of fairy-rings, given by him in the Journal some years 
ago ; and his supposition that the development and expan- 
sion of the cells of the fungi attracted their air manure. — 
Dr. Calvert called attention to the electrical effects produced 
in the atmosphere by thunder-storms, and to the subsequent 
rapid vegetation in moorland districts ; also to the theory of 
nitrification in nitre-beds. 
On the motion of Mr. Raymond Barker, seconded by Dr. 
Calvert, the best thanks of the Council were given to Professor 
Way for the able and interesting lecture he had delivered. 
The President, on putting the motion (which was carried 
unanimously), added his tribute of praise, remarking that 
nothing could more effectually, he thought, call thinking 
minds into operation than the science and the researches of 
the able men whose philosophical labours Professor Way had 
then brought under the review of the meeting. He delighted, 
as one of the earliest members of the Society, to witness the 
successful manner in which practice and science were more 
nearly approaching each other, for the more secure guidance 
of practical farmers, and for the benefit generally of the agri- 
cultural world . — Mark Lane Express . 
RESEARCHES ON THE COMPOSITION OE FODDER. 
By M. Isidore Pierre. 
The inspection of the tables contained in this memoir leads 
us to various conclusions, many of which have already re- 
ceived the sanction of experience, and are justified by the 
preferences shown by animals. 
When we give to animals an artificial fodder of good 
quality, they eat first the leaves and flowers, then the upper 
part of the stalk, and finally the lower part, but they leave 
the latter when amply supplied with food. This observation 
is most readily made with sheep, because this selection is 
easier to them than to the larger animals. If we carefully 
examine what they leave, we shall find neither leaves nor 
flowers. I shall not discuss the probable causes of this pre- 
ference, but merely mention the fact, which is well known to 
graziers. 
The flowers and the leaves are the parts which contain the 
most nitrogen ; they contain, in general, twice as much 
nitrogenous matter as the same weight of the upper part of 
