Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-12-29
.sgrtcw fars,S s. Donsesitc.

MucH Cows.-Ihe extreme sensiuyeness
Of the mammary functions in cows to the IN
Hunce OF cold, fatigue, excitement odors, etc,
is indeed surprising. We have been greatly
interested in obseFying the effects OF cold up
on the milk sccretions as seen IN the herd oil
cows upon the farm.
During the past summer, in the hot days
in july and August. the animals resortee 20
the laSe to drink, and after shaking their
thirst. thew would wade into the water.and
remain sometimes an hour OF two with the
lers half immersed This habi; It was found
invariable diminished the h1w Of milk at
nigbt. and 10 order to learn the extent Of the
diminution careful observations were made.
IL was ascertained that standing IN the water
an hour diminished the hJw to the amount OF
8 or 10 quarts IN herd Of thirteen cows.
The loss was SO great that whenever they
resorted to the water they were driven away
70 the pasture again at once. We have
learned that from simply turning the herd
into the yard upon a colo day IN winter, and
allowing them 10 remain fifteen minutes, the
flow of milk was diminished 10 a serious ex-
tent, and consequently the animals are not
now allowed to leave the warm stable curing
the entire winter, except for bret period
upon warm. sunshinv days. Water Is brought
directly from a well into the barn, and the
drinking vessels are arranged so that the
animals have to move but step or two TO
SUNNY their wants The nature Of the water
sunplv. and conveniences Of access, are most
inuoftant points in the management Of mich
cows. A draught Of ice cold water, taken
by a COW in winter, cuts short the milk yield
for the day from one to two pints- wen
water drawn into vessels, and allowed %
stand few hours covered. IN the warm
barn, has its temperature raised several de-
grees, and this practice should be adopted ny
all thrifty farmers. 1t would undoubtedly
pay well to slightly warm the water, but
this is attended with considerable inconveni-
ence where large herds are kept, unless
steam apparatus Is used. The influence OF a
C Id curIent Of air, and cold drinking water,
upon cows in milk, is not Of transient
nature it extends for longer period than
day o. a week. Many fine animals are ruined
by careless exposures every year, and
self-interest and feelings of humanity should
prompt all COW owners to keep diligent watch
over their welfare and comfort.
Cows in milk are often greatly injured by
rapid driving from pasture by needless boys
and unthinking men. They should never be
urged faster than walk. Gentleness and
kindness of conduct towards cows have
wonderful influence upon the mllk-pall, and
also upon the progeny Of the animals. A
Dad-Iempered, irascible man ought never 10
be allowed in constable. \ man who
will kick a cow il passion ought himself 70
be kicked out Of the barn-yard and forever
prohibited from again coming 10 contact with
the noble animals The right person placed
10 charge OF a herd Of twenty cows, which
have been badly managed, will in one month
raise the tactical products so that the increas-
cd cash returns will pay bis wages. This Is
a statement which has been verified more
than ONCE 0sf0n Journal Of Chemistry.
STAGxASr WATER AND MmK.-It has been
known for a long time that milk left standing
in room where patients are sick becomes
permeated with the subtle poison of the dis
ease. Contagion has also been spread
through milk by reason Of persons recovering
from sickness attending TO the lab0rs OF the
dairy. The kind Of grass or fodder on winch
the cows feed also gives a peculiar flavor and
quality to their milk. In addition TO these
facts, it has recently been demonstrated that
the most starting consequences may ensue
from-he animals drinking staguant water.
Professor Law, Of Cornell university, has
examined with microscope, milk Of an IN
usual, ropy appearance, and found 1t iull OF
those fungi or vegetable organisms that
abound in stagnant water. On inquiry be
found that the COWS from which it came had
only stagnant water to drink. and further
investigation revealed the fact that the blood
of the animals teemed with these fungi and
that the cows were in fcyerish, unhealthy
condition. The warning which this discovery
ought to convey is very simple. lt Is the
duty of dairymen to see that their cattle have
q supply Of pure, sweet water. They use
such a great quantity Of water that Judi
eious concern for the health of the community
should induce them to employ none but the
very cleanest.