— u— 
sugars and starch, which we have tor the most part under- 
stood by carbohydrates, are present in small quantities. The 
sample showing starch to be present in the largest quantity 
contained some mature seeds, which contain from 48 to 50 
per cent, of starch. The sugar found in the same sample 
may be correct, but I think it admits of a doubt. 
COiN'CLUSIONS. 
First . — That the composition of alfalfa hay grown under 
the same climatic conditions does not vary from year to 
year, more than samples of the same year, which is within 
fairly narrow limits. 
Second . — That climatic or seasonal differences do affect 
the composition of the hay. This, however, affects the dif- 
ferent cuttings of the same year, rather than the crops for a 
whole year, but this effect is comparatively small and ex- 
presses itself most pronouncedly in the percentage of crude 
fiber. 
Third . — That the amount of the proteids in alfalfa hay 
does not decrease with, but rather increases, with age, if the 
hay is kept in a close mow. 
Fourth .- — That the changes in the hay probably affect the 
amount and character of the nitrogen- free extract. 
Fifth . — That the proteids of the different cuttings are 
about equally digestible, as determined by means of pepsin- 
hydrochloric acid. There is, however, a slight difference in 
favor of the hay cut when the plants were in full bloom. 
Sixth . — The digestibility of the proteids does not vary 
materially from year to year, nor is it affected by the age of 
the hay, if well kept. 
Seventh . — That the lignocelluloses in alfalfa increase 
with the age of the plant, but there are exceptions which 
can not be justly attributed to methods of determination. 
Eio[hth . — That the presence and amount of sugar, starch, 
etc. depend upon the development of the plant at the time 
of cutting, and is at all times comparatively small. 
Ah'nth . — That the lignocelluloses are more abundant in 
the leguminous hays than in those made froin our native 
grasses, but that the cellulose is much more abundant in the 
latter. 
Tenth . — That the soluble portion of leguminous hay. 
is greater than that of the little hay made from the grasses 
which accounts for their susceptibility to weathering 
