ANNUAL CONCOURS. 
695 
according as horses ate more hay and less oats. The analysis 
shewed it to be composed almost entirely of carbonate of lime, 
traces of sulphate, and a little sand. No phosphate (of lime) was 
found. 
Filtrated urines shewed the same composition in all three 
classes, a composition which may be represented, in the average, 
by 9TOO of dry matter, and 3*00 of ashes. 
The next part of the “Report” enters into the question 
Of the Introduction of New Hay and New Oats, and Artificial 
Grasses , into the Ration of Troop Horses. 
Believing that new hay affects the health of horses, there is an 
order against receiving any for troop horses, in the South of 
France, before the 11th of Sptember; in the North, before the 
1st of October. 
[In our own country no new hay is admitted prior to the 14th 
of October.] 
The experiments made with a view of ascertaining the effects 
of new hay so far rather favoured than condemned its use, as to 
suggest the expediency of rescinding the regulations prohibiting 
its introduction for two months after it has been got. 
Doubts were likewise thrown, through experiment, on the 
injurious or disadvantageous use of new corn. 
In respect to the artificial grasses, such as lucerne, and sainfoin, 
and trefoil, the Committee came to the opinion, that, introduced 
in the proportion of a third, or even a half, into the ration 
of hay, they would be serviceable. Indeed, in situations where 
the natural meadow grasses are indifferent, they recommend the 
ration being made up, if possible, entirely of the artificial hay. 
Annual Concours 
FOR THE SOLUTION OF QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE 
CONSERVATION OF THE HORSES OF THE ARMY. 
Letter addressed to M. the Marshal the Secretary-at- War by the 
President of the Sanitary Committee. 
Sir,—With the view of exciting a spirit of emulation and a 
taste for study among the medical officers of the army, the 
Secretary-at-War annually submits for their solution a series of 
