The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-02-07

U
Some Of these objections may be, and are,
in the practice of many greatly modified.
But Notwithstanding this, hold that the
system is radically defective. And if it
were not for that provision Of nature,
which allows the animal economy within
certain limits, to accommodate itself to
unnatural circumstances, we should see
more plainly its evil effects.
Those cattle plaques which afilct Eu-
rope, | believe to be as plainly traceable
to that systsm to the use of foul, crowd
cd, ill-ventiated stables, as were the hui.
man plaques of ancient London, to its
narrow, filthy, streets, and the dark, ILL.,.
ventilated abodes of its inhabitants.
But before we decide to abandon our
present practice, we must necessarily de-
termine what system we should adopt in
its stead Whether there is a practical
mode Of winter management of COWS
which is less Objectionable.
Upon this point allow me to present
some considerations, drawn from my own
observation and experience, which l find
also accord with the experience, of some
of our most successful feeders of beef
cattle. And first let us bear in mind,
that while we are not providing for an
animal peculiar to the frigid zone, neither
are we for one which requires the high
temperature Of the tropics, experience
proves that the COW thrives best in the
temperate zone. That it is not necessary,
or even desirable that the temperature of
the air around her, should be kept above
the freezing point by artificial means. By
SO doing you promote only sickly hot.
house development Nature, when left
to itself, prepares her for the heats Of
summer, and the colds of winter, and she
will thrive better, in the pure air Of
property constructed shed than in a stable
though the temperature of the former
may be several degrees colder. She re-
quires in this climate, only thorough
protection from winds and storms, dry
soft bedding, an abundance of wholesome
food, pure water and salt. These with
perfect liberty to eat or drink, exercise
or rest, to enjoy the sunshine or return tt
her shelter, will secure that perfect health
and development, both in herself and
progeny, which in my opinion, can not bt
surpassed by any other made of treat
ment
/ do not say, that shed of Capt. Slack
will answer the purpose, with gaping
cracks and open pitching holes, of narrow
proportions and tumble down underpin
ing,with boards off, and leaky roof, which
serves only to concentrate the winter
blasts, and pour them with accelerated
fury, upon the shivering animals within
Nor will that other shed and yard o.
neighbor Sloven's, where animals wallow
and mire in the mud, where the watel
from the caves and higher grounds around
pour their floods unchecked within, ant
bring discomfort, disease. and death, tt
its occupants. Such pitiless novels, sucf
slovenly yards, are disgrace to the mar
who permits them to remain upon hi
farm, are standing proof Of his uttel
want, Of manly energy and enterprise.
But the protection which ! do recon-
mend, are sheds not less than twenty. .fv,
or thirty feet wide or over forty fee
long. Made nearly air tight on three
sides, and over head, facing the south,anc
their yards surrounded by other buildings
and high tight board fences. The ground
upon which they are built, shonld b'
elevated slightly above those around, ant
il not naturally very dry and hard, made
so by artificial means.
Perhaps few are aware Of the difterenc,
in the amount Of protection afforded By
such sheds, and those which have ever
small apertures or an open window in th'
rear, or over head Into such sheds, tn,
winds aud storms of winter enter bu
slightly. If much more than forty fee
in length, they should be partitioned, tt
prevent the circulation Of currents of air
which may carry the SHOWS Of winter will
them.
On the sides of these sheds, opposit,
the entrance, | would place suitable feet
racks, to be used only in very cold o.
stormy weather, and for the purpose also
of feeding roots or grain And to whicl
COWS should be fastened by suitable anc
convenient means. Snt only for the latter
purpose. In pleasant weather, | woult
always feed them their hay, in open air
in racks not less than five feet square, ,an'
so high that they will never be tempte'
to step into them, and invariably provid
ed with roofs. BY this practice, it j
much easier to keep the sheds in order
requires much less litter, and is quite a
well for the stock.
With such convenences, | find by ex
pericnce that cows will thrive better, ar
less liable to contract disease, ARE stronger
aud less liable to abortion, and the pro
duction ofimpertect progeny. The labo
required to feed and care for them, wher
water is convenient, is reduced by on
half. while it is rendered much NOR
agreeable. The processes Of milking,
more cleanly and pleasant, and the qualit,
of the milk and butter greatly improved
AS | have before intimated, tn
positions | have taken with regard to tn
superior thrift of cattle thus cared for
are corroborated by the testimony o
some of our most noted producers of bee
cattle. And in several instances, o
which | have personal knowledge, ,shrewd
practical, observing, men have been le
to abandon the use of stables for thei
beef cattle, by the fact that for want 0
room, they were repeatedly obliged t
divide their stock, and the discovery i
consequence, that those in the yards wer
decidedly better fitted, than those confn
ed in the stables.
That Addison County grass fed beei
which as Mr.. Fletcher, the market re
porter for the n. Il, Farmer, stated, wa
sometime during the past season, hun
up by the side of the best ILL.,, corn fee
article, and pronounced fully equal j
quality, by the best judges,were fitted b
one who has long since abandorsd the us