Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-01-06
farmers Department.
WinteriRg Stock.

necessity OF e0ry fOrelHOu2nt, anu ample pro-
vision for the care of his stock through the
coming winter Upon the econ 1mical aud su :
ccssfu manner in which this is accomplished
depends, quite as much as upon any other
thing, his success in stock growing aud in farm
ing. THE mprcful man is merciful to his
heast,n aud will not let the uukindly blast of
-wifier blow all too harShly around its unpro-
tected head.
The farmers first care for his stock should
he a warm shed and stable room for the trhoir
hcrI I'm our opinion, the stable is ;he most
profitable. Stock to do well, must be kept
warla, as it is impossible for them to more than
live while shivering on the sunny side Of the
barn, stockyard, OF rail fence. Every good
farmer understands that certain amount of
animal heat has to be kept up, aid this is done
by the consumption of hay. straw and grain,
ns heat is kept up in stove by the conbus-
ton Of wood or coal. 1t is not proposed to
enter into the chemical changes produced in
the case Of the food or wood-bOth are we'll
admitted truths. -and the question presented
10 the farmer is, whether his animal or stove
will be most easily and economically kept at
proper temperature under n well constructed
stable or house. or outside, exposed to the cold
winds of our Northern winter.
If YOU have the stables and sheds all pre-
pared, you will make note. and begin to look
after the stock You will find it bad economy
to let them range through meadow, field, orch
ard and wood, until compelled to come home
by the thick falling snow You may. it is true
have your stacks and NOW untouchcd-but the
cold, frost bitten grass has afforded so little
nourshment, that your stock has already lost
flesh. Believe me, dear sir every pound lost
now will cost the value of more than double
the number to replace after they come to dry
food.
Commence early TO put cattle in the stalls
for the night, and feed them there, in prefer.
ence to feeding in the yard, or around some
stack in distant geld. Cattle will run over
the hay on the ground and waste much Of it.
Stacking at best is but poor method, for it
will not take much ciphering to show that the
waste in saving and feeding out of doors, will
soon pay for comfortable barns and feeding
stalls by beginning early to feed at night
the stock may run out days.
Good hay answers every purpose, but there
are stalks, oat and wheat straw, which farmers
design as part Of the forage for winter use.
No one considers bread or meat alone, palata-
IOOu lOI 1lLlScI VI ,uCililCi
he calculate to heep his herd through win
ter on hay or straw alone. Hay may be fed
once day, and as change, cut straw with
the addition of little corn or oatmeal, or
shorts, would be very advisable. Perhaps
hay that is good does not require cutting, but
stalks and straw repay cutting many fold. We
are satisfied that it would be economy in all
respects to have good straw-cutter, and hire
a man, Il necessary, TO take care Of the whole
herd, rather than feed coarse fodder whole.
Roots should not be overlooked. To keep
cattle in good condition, they are very nutri
tious, and serve as change from the dry food
in general use. Carrots, turnips and beetS, can
be so easily and proftably grown, that no good
herdsman should dApense with them. They
are easily kept and cut, and shonld be used
once day az least, mixed with cut straw or
stalks, or by themselves 1t would be just as
reasonable to keep the farmers family on one
kind of food, through the winter, as to keep
herd of cattle on hay alone. Variety is essen
tal to good appetite, and It IS nnonestiOnably
true, that roots will have the effect of making
cattle more healthy, just as fresh food and veg
etableS are better for those who go down to
the sea in great ships Many Of the wasting
and fatal diseases which diminish the herd in
spring, in our opinion, might be prevented by
q judiciouS use Of roots aud grain in the win
ter.
Water should not be forgotten when pro-
viding for stock 1t is not enough, that there
is brook in yonder hollow near half a mile
from the barn, for cattle can hardly afford to
go so far in wet and muddy weather, and in
the deep snow of mid winter, they will suffer
for want of water before they will expose
themselves to the drifts and cold bleak winds
The water should be in the yard, where it will
be as warm as possible, and where cattle will
be protected from the cold wind while drink
ing Every one has observed the shivering Of
animals after drinking largely in mid-winter.
To prevent this they should have it not less
than twice day. 1t is the practice of many
farmers to let sheep go without water except
that obtained by eating snow. all through the
winter. 1t is great mistake. They will drink
three or four times in day when they can have
water without trouble.
Salt is important in the winter treatment of
all kinds of stock A supply should be placed
where they can obtain it at any time. This
may be done by putting some Jumps in box
under q shed They will taste little nearly
every day, never eating more than they need.
When salted at long intervals, they eat too
much, producing bad consequences
One great object with farmers in wintering
stock should be to make as much manure as
possible, and save all that is made For this
purpose If not kept in stables, the cattle should
be kept in yards All the manure dropped in
the snow path, when wandering after water,
or running at random over the fields, is nearly
a loss Domestic animals are the farmers ap-
paratus by means Of which his hay, grain, straw
roots. etc, are manufactured into flesh, muscle
and bone, as well us elaborated for manure
with which to feed the growing crop, and keep
the whole farm in the best condition They
shnnld claim larre share Of the time and at.