Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-06-22

PURE WATER-HEALTH OF STOCK.

Our correspondent, an S. T., Essex Co.,
Mass in the following communication, di-
rects the attention of the readers Of the
Agricultu15 to an important subject Foul
water is the fruitful source of unthrift and
disease in animals, besides, it is almost con-
stantly operating, and in time, will produce
effects not perceptible at first.
That farmer who has provided for his
barnyard a neverfailing supply of good
water, and an arrangement by which it is
brought into the trOughs or tubs without
pumping or drawing, has a convenience,
the value of which is not likely to be over
estimated but it is a matter of no small
Importance that it be given to the stock
fresh and pure Because animals drink
from filthy trough or muddy and stag
nant pool with apparent relish it does not
follow that their sense of taste is of a low
order and cannot appreciate good feeding,
Necessity too often compels them to drink
anywhere, and whatever they can find
Long continued habits deadens or perverts
the taste. But animals with unvltlated
taste left free to choose for themselves, will
find the purest water as quickly as the
sweetest grass; especially is this true of
the horse Some are naturally very fasti-
dious about both food and drink and they
often suffer from thirst rather than drink
from II vessel or at well they dislike
Some men entrusted to the care of stock,
seeing horse tasting and slipping or play
ing, as they imagine say he is not dry, or
is whimsical and bring him back to his
stall, there to remain till thirst compels him
to drink. Thus real cruelty is ignorantly
practised against dumb beast, when a few
moments attention would discover and re-
move the trouble. Fresh, pure water means
more than simply water free from sticks,
dirt, or substances which are readily de-
tected by the eye. Water exposed in shall
low vessels to the atmosphere during warm
weather, quickly loses its fresh and sweet
taste. Should it remain in a stable twenty
four hours, it becomes undrinkable from
having absorbed the impurities of the air.
Ammonia carhonic acid, and all the gases
escaping in the stable are absorbed rapidly
and in large quantities by water During
hot weather these gases are always largely
present, even in well-regulated barns, and
a tub of water exposed to the air in the
stable, yard, or cellar soon becomes charg-
ed with them, and is unfit for any animal to
drink. Besides being of a dsagreeable
tuSI1J IL bISOhlCo ollSHlly dPCIiCnt.
a cover that fits closely to the trough
or tub is of some service in keeping out
dust and dirt, and preventing contact with
impure air, but it is impossible to keep wa
ter in shallow vessels about a barnyard
and have it absolutely pure. The safest
plan of ensuring purity is to draw from the
fountain head as often as wanted and when
the animals have drank, throw the remain
der away. 1t is a common practice in sum-
mer to keep water in the trough to prevent
its drying and falling to pieces. The more
shallow trough is made the less liable it
is to dry VI; ; but it is better to lose one oc-
caSionally than Away give impure water
to the stock. Scrupulous cleanliness in the
care of all the arrangements for furnishing
water commcnds itself to every thinking
man who is the owner and lover of animals,
IN proportion as the i'll effects of neglecting
than are understood. ."-Amerjcan Agricul-
tlTjYT