American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-01-15
Comfort of Farm Stock.

Does the average farmer realize the
real import of this one word, comfort, rs
applied to the various animals of the
farm, and especially of that most useful
of all others, the COW? Is there fore
thought to keep them comfortable during
the cold and storms of rigorous winter,
when they depend upon man SO much
more than at other seasons? The animal
which is of the greatest profit to its own
er, which increases most in bulk or flesh
gives the most milk or does the most
work, is that one of easy disposition in
comfortable circumstances. The profit
and interest of all farmers and stock own
ers would be promoted, as we'll as kind
ness engendercd, by studying to promote
variety of ways in which this may be
done to the economizing of our own profit.
The few following hints may serve as a
guide to others:
First in the list 1 would place regular
ity i'll everything, especially in feeding
and watering. When stock are fed at if
regular intervals they consume more,
with less profit to themselves or their
owners; they are constantly on the look
out for a new supply, and constant un.
easiness is the result. When there is a
stated hour for feeding, and regularity
and punctuality IS strictly observed, the
animals appetite is regulated in accord
ance; the food is taken with relish, and
when eaten the stock are under no anx-
iety till the next feeding hour comes
around. Instead of uneasiness, there is a
Illuminating quietness, which is always
favorable to good and perfect diges-
ton and assimilation. All animals (even
the filthy hog) are naturally clearly;
therefore they should be kept clean.
Cleanliness is antagonistic to vermin life,
oil ir,c fo fhrix int
animals are fond of being carded and
rubbed, when done gently; this not only
promotes cleanliness, but also tends to
keep the skin loose and healthy, and the
pores open and free. The office of the
skin is to perform some of the most I'M
portant functions of the body; through its
pores much matter is exuded that other
wise might prove detrimental to health
Therefore it becomes evident that if the
pores are clogged by being covered with
filth they cannot perform their office and
animals clean, then, by suitable bedding
cleansing their stalls and pens and by
carding, rubbing and washing where nee
essary. A good bed of dry litter, straw
meadow hay, sawdust or the like, with 8
well-ventilated, warm stall or pen, pro-
notes comfort wonderfully, and also
cleanliness of the animal. Stalls, stables
and pens need frequent cleaning, daily al
least, in winter when occupied. Means
must be provided for conducting off all
liquid weddings where it may be used as
fertilizer of the soil. Unpleasant weather
stock should be allowed to spend few
hours daily in the open air and sun, as
continued confinement to the stall is irk-
some; sunshine is stimulating to all the
natural functions, is better than medicine
and essential to full health. All stables
should have more of it, especially those
for horses.
Kindness to animals in every respect is
as highly appreciated, apparently, as
among the human family, therefore keep
the animals in good humor yourself The
man who makes practice of judiciously
fondling his stock in the yard or stable
has a more orderly, 2ood-natured stock
than he who cannot pass them by without
venting his spleen by a kick or curse upon
some poor, unoffending brute. In the
one case the animals are all rejoiced to
see him, and are quiet among themselves,
seldom crowding each other, except as to
show their appreciation for their master
and keeper; in the other case they partake
of the disposition of the master, are cross,
hook and kick each other; and instead OF
expressing pleasure at the appearance of
the owner, are apt to partake of his dis
position, returning his greeting in kind.
Therefore keep the stock comfortable by
kindness in every respect and at all times.
". Ii. White, in Country Gentleman.