lbs.

[31] Oil 22.4
Flesh-forming principles 89.6
Sugar, gum, and other fat-forming substances 224.0
Digestible fibre 672.0
-------
1,008.0
[32] Total amount of fat-formers, calculated as starch 952.0
Add flesh-formers 89.6
-------
Total amount of nutritive matter 1,041.6

We shall now compare this table with a similar one in relation to the
composition of linseed cake, which will place the greater comparative
value of straw in a clearer light.

A fair sample of linseed-cake contains, centesimally--

Flesh-formers 26
Oil 12
Gum, mucilage, sugar, &c. 34
Woody fibre 6

ONE TON OF LINSEED CAKE, AT L11, CONTAINS:--

lbs.

Flesh-forming principles 582.4
Oil 268.8
Gum, sugar, and other fat-formers 761.6
Woody fibre 74.4
-------
1,687.2
Total amount of fat-formers, calculated as starch 1,508.0
Add flesh-formers 582.4
-------
Total amount of nutriment 2,090.4

These comparisons are very instructive and important. We learn from
them that we pay L11 for 2,000 lbs. of nutriment, when we purchase a
ton of linseed-cake, whereas, when we invest 30s. in a ton of straw, we
receive 1,000 lbs. of digestible aliment. It cannot be said that I have
strained any points in favour of the straw; on the contrary, I believe
that when that article is cut in proper season and well harvested,
its composition will be found far superior to that detailed in the
comparative analysis. It must be borne in