The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-01-05
AGRICULTURAL.
The N,inteYing Of Stoek.


Taking the last census as the basis OF
the calculation, and there are, at this time
about six hundred million dollars worth
of live stock in the United States. 1heii
value exceeds that of all the manuiaetur-
inv establishments in the country, ana al
30 exceeds the capital employed IN COM
.acrcc. both inland and foreign Lave
stock IS an immense national interest, but
one which has been sadly overlooked b.
American statesmen and writer's on pub
lie economy. How to winter cattle, nor
ses. hogs, sheep, and poultry in the most
economical way, all things considered, is
q subject on which an instructive volume
might be written. The science of animal
physiology sheds much light on the busi-
ness of keeping live stock, both in winter
and summer; and if properly studied il
It's bearings on this great interest, would
add indefinite millions to the income OF
farmers, and the wealth of the nation
Bot bow can We persuade our readers to
s;ady animal physiology in connection
with the production of the flesh of their
animals! 1t is impossible to show them
the valuable fruits of any science relating
TO husbandry before its seeds are permit
ted to be planted and cultivated in any
State in the Union. Nevertheless, as the
truths of science and the truths of empri
cism never contradict each other, many
learn by the latter not littleof the wisdom
taughtby the former Thus science informs
us why it is that cattle and other animals
Kubsist on less food in winter, and keep IN
better order if well stabbed or housed, and
regularly fed; chen they will if subjected
TO the rigors ofcold storms, snow, rain, mud
mud, and irregular feeding. The latter sys-
ten consumes both forage and flesh need
IessIy, and, of course, involves prodioious
loss to such as follow it. Warmth is the
equivalent of food, because food is used
in the bodies of all animals to generate
What we call animal heat How far warm
stables will save hay, grain, roots, corn
stalks, and other food of domestic ami
mals, is not known; but number of ex
periments lead to the conclusion that one
third may thus be saved with advantage
10 stock. a man at work out in the cold
of winter needs double the food that would
serve him if he remained idle in warm
room through the winter and the Same
is true Of an OK or horse. \ large share
of all domestic animals do not work, and
are kept for the production OF 9esh, milk,
or wool They need a reasonable amount
Of exercise to preserve their health, as
Well as good keeping in the matters o!
food, drink, and shelter In winterinc
hogs, true economy requires that one
shoald keep no more than viii give the
maximum Of flesh for the food consumed
To keep a pig without his gaining in
weight involves not only the loss of the
food he consumes, but all the injury re-
sultiug from stuuting his growth. Few
are aware Of the damage done to young
animals by prcmaturely arresting tie
growth Of their bones aud muscles. \
ttuuted pig, calf. colt, or lamb has receiY-
CO ~ irreparable injury. You can no
more fully make amends for the shock
given to the vital functions, than you can
give horse a new seeing eye in the place
Of one that has been put out by violence. |
~Nb AstSA 4CINLG- Il HOiSS VIII SlFS blLA q
new exc; and no good keeping viii deyel-
-ope an animal frame perfect in all its
parts after it has been stuuted in youth |
Most farmers attempt to keep too much |
stock, both in winter and summer, for their |
food to be manufactured into flesh, dairy
products, or wool. a few superior ami
mails well housed in winter, and well fed
at all times, yield the largest profit. Of
course, stables should be properly venti-
lated that all animals may have full
supply of pure air. Most stables, and all
eheds, give too much of it, especially in
cold wintry weather. Look out for
plenty of straw, or other litter, to absorb
all urine, unless you have tank or other
reservoir for it to run into. Mannre is
now as valuable as money at ten per cent.
compound interest; for all the crops that
manure aids so much in their annual
growth sell at high prices. 1t costs near
ly as much to plow, plant, hoe, and har-
vest an acre of corn to obtain 25 bushels
as 80 bushels; and manure will double
the crop.-GeReSSee Farmer.