12 
ALFALFA—-ITS GROWTH, DIGESTIBILITY, ETC. 
Ill addition to the determinations above noted, the ash 
of specimen No. 1 was analyzed, showing the following 
composition: 
Silica (Si 0 2). 47.33 
Carbon (C). .57 
Sulphuric acid (S 03).4.38 
Iron oxide (Fe2 03). 1.37 
Chlorine (Cl).4.00 
Magnesium oxide (Mg 0).4.15 
Calcium oxide (Ca 0).16.18 
Phosphoric acid (P2 05). 7.15 
Potassium oxide (K2 0) . * . . . 14.25 
Sodium oxide (Na2 0). .25 
99.98 
The proportion of ash ingredients in the plant is vari- 
ble within a limited range, such variation being due to 
various circumstances, as the green or ripened condition of 
growth, the different parts of the plant taken, the soil on 
which the plant has been grown, the species of plant and 
its treatment in culture. 
The question is often asked, at what period of its growth 
should grass be cut for hay ? The albuminoids being 
the most desirable part of the plant, the greater the per 
cent, of albuminoids, other things being equal, the more 
nutritious the grass. 
A glance at the table will show that the albuminoids 
decrease as the grass matures, but on the other hand, it will 
be seen that the amount of dry hay increases with the 
age; it will be noticed, too, that the crude fiber increases 
with the age of the plant. The analyses show that about 
the time of bloom, or a little later, is the most economical 
time to cut grass for hay. That alfalfa is no exception to 
the rule, is shown by numerous analyses of forage plants 
made by the Department of Agriculture, one of which has 
been selected by way of comparison with alfalfa: 
