Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-12-25

pcnsate for the trouble of feeding them. Sheep,
however. while the ground is bare and dry. may
run out. more or less. according as there should
be food for them on the ground.
The poorest fodder should be reserved for the
coolest weather. after the stock has become
seasoned to dry food and when their appetites
are sharp. Last springs calves should be fed
on rowen. or second crop hay. as it is less bind
ING in its effects on the bowels than hay from the
first crop a few potatoes. carrots. or turnips.
rivcn daily. will be found very beneficial. Cat
tie intended for slaughter, should be fed with
strict regularity, in clean hangers and they
should have clean, dry, and comfortably warm
places to lie down and sleep.
Farther south, where little or no snow falls, a
system entirely different from ours. is pursued
with iatting cattle. Instead of being sheltered,
they are kept usually in open fields, and fed
principally with Indian corn, stalk. ear, husk
and all. without any other preparation than to
cut and shock the corn at the proper time. and
carry it to the fields from dav to dav. At first,
it would seem that there must be great waste in
this mode Of feeding. and there is unqucstion-
ably more food used in making given quantity
of meat. than is required where a well regulated
system is adopted. But it should be remembers
ed that great object in those sections, is the
saving of manual labor. that being proportion
ulfiN IL nlVtl utdGtT uTuClt tUbIt. lltl Dtcl. vi
the materials from which beef is made. Hence,
on the score of economy, it may be better to
waste some corn. than to cxpcnd too much Ia
Dor in saving it all.
Three fields are usually appropriated to stock
feeding. The tatting cattle are fed in each OF
these, in regular rotation, and are followed in
the course by store cattle and swine, TO clean
up what is first left Where care is taken to
choose dry land, with a firm, clean sod, and
close attention is paid in feeding. there is less
wasted, when the hogs have cleaned up the field
than would be supposed by ole unacquainted
with the practice. Still, with the carelcssncss
which too often prcvals,-the cattle being fed
in too small fields, or such as become muddy at
times. or covered with manure-thcrc is much
waste and loss. both from the food not being
eaten, and the stock being kept in uncomfort-
able places, where, if they thrive at all, it is
but slowly.
Wood and timber should be cut ana hauled il
practicable before deep SHOWS. There is eco
nomy in this on several accounts. More fuel is
saved, and more labor is done in given time,
with less expense. and far more comfort to all
engaged in it, Rails for fencing may be worked
out TO good advantage in mild weather. and in
stormy days, if there is a suitable place to work
under cover, posts may be mortised and made
ready for setting. Stones for walls may be
readily moved, Wien there is lust snow enough
on the ground to make good >lcdlng.
Peat for manure may be dug in many places.
II designed Tor use next season. and without
beng made into compost. it will be best TO
spread it on the fields at once, and expose it as
much as possible 10 the action of the air frost,
and rains, by which any acid it conttins will be
diSsipatcd and it is rendered fine and fitted for
vegetable food While bogs are frozen hard
enough to bear team is Il good time to carry
off the peat which has been dug. If not wanted
soon' it may be piled in large piles, in situations