The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1878-10-03

full flow without ample rations Of
fresh fodder. As the pastures be-
come bare, newly cured corn-stalks,
cut and mixed with chopped roots
and sprinkled with m%ldllngs. and
ground corn and oats. may be gwen.
Liberal teed always pay with the
right kind of COWS.
The aim IN feeding. now. should
be 10 get the stock into good CON
dition before cold weather. reniem-
bering that an animal beginning
the winter we'll. is as good rs half
through it already.
Sheep. if fed literally, and man
aged carefully, are most profitable
stock. The better we do for them,
the better they viii do for us; bad
ly managed, they are likely to
prove a failure.
For March lambs, the ewes
should be coupled this month. The
best eve is a common grade Merlno,
or native sheep. For the earliest.
those which cone from Ohio, or
Western Pennsylvania. weighing
about 80 to too pounds, are excel
lent for this purpose. \ pure
South-Down RAM, and next, a
Uampshire-Down, and next, a Cots
void, is the best animal to ros
upon these. \ plump fat lamb OF
moderate size, will bring cor
than a "scrawney' one-half as big
again. The black face and legs of
the Down" breeds are desirable in
market lambs.
Feeding sheep for Market, is a
profitable business for those who
have judgment to buy we'll, to feed
we'll, and to sell we'll. Two profits
can easily be made: A big manure
heap, and good pay for feed and
care will be returned to the skillful
feeder. For more detailed infor-
nation, "Stewart's Shepherds
Manual may be consulted.
Winter rape, for winter and
spring feeding for sheep in the
South, may be sown early this
month. Five pounds of seed per
acre, if planted in drills; or If
broadcast, s pounds will be needed.
1t may be fed off by penning the
sheep upon the crop as soon us it
has sufficient growth. The surplus
may be plowed under in the spring
as an excellent preparation for oats
or corn. This has been grown add
vantageously for this purpose AS far
north as Rochester, n. u. the
sheep even leaving a warm shelter
and paving away the snow to find
it.
Swine.-Brood sows should be
we'll fed now, SO that they will be
in good condition for coupling next
month for March pigs. Grades or
half-brecs of any good breed are
more profitable than full-bloods for
the farmer. Keep no pig over a
year old for f%attening, if the most
profit is looked for.
Feeding for pork, may best be
begun at once, using up the soft
and poor corn first. Some feed
green stalks, cut fine, and mixed
with meal; this will bring the pigs
into a thrifty condition, to be fin
ished very rapidly in November.
Fall pigs, may be carried over
on skim milk, a few cut corn-stalks
potatoes or roots, with a little bran,
and plenty of fresh water.
Water.-It is a great mistake to
stint animals in water; 70 per cent.
of their weight is water. Digestion
cannot 60 on without it. Water is
therefore food in one sense, and an
ample supply should be provided
for every animal to drink when
inclined.
Poultry.-If eggs are expected
during the winter, they must be
provided for now. Dispose O. the
old hens; select as many Of the best
young pullets and feed them well.
Give wheat soaked in hot water,
once a day. Barley, buckwheat,
and corn, IN equal proportions, may
make the rest of the food; chopped
cabbages will help. Provide clear
quarters, plenty Of water, gravel
old mortar, and charcoal. Make
the house warm; do not crowd too
many into it and a good supply O
eggs will result.--1mericon .iari
culturist.