The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-08-01
AGRICULTURAL.
TeiherinxCattIe

Many farmers who do not adopt the prac-
lice OF soiling stock, or soiling in part, have
some portion of that stock which they would
IKE to give an extra bite, or chance, but are
often deferred by one reason or another.
Such, and Others, may derive the desired ben.
efit with very little risk or trouble by tether-
ing the stock. The main difficulty with many
is to know and practice the safest way and
most economical plan. 1t is unsafe to tether
any animal with rope, especially if there be
any wet on the grass, or rain while the ami
NAL is tied, unless one can watch the animal
closely, to relieve in case Of any accident. A
rope will frequently get tangled about the
feet or legs, and twist or kink. The safest
and best mode ever practised, or observed
practised by others, is to tether with a light
chain. With such never knew of an acct
dent, and after animals have been tethered a
day or two they will feed as contentedly
and safely as If at large, and will do much
better as far as thrift Is concerned, and sell
dom need other care than watering and NOV
ing so that they can reach new feed. If the
neld where the cattle are tetheYed is small in
comparison with the number OF cattle to be
led, would begin, say, at one side, fastening
first to fence post with only part length of
chain, and when the feed here is eaten off let
out the chain to its full length and after feed
ing sufficiently close move only foot or two,
so that there need be no necessity of tramp
ing or wasting the feed. In this or similar
way have fed the aftermath on our meadows
when we desired to give some animal an ex.
ira cnance. But the main thing is to teth-
er animals so that they shall not be injured
and we can feel safe to leave them out of
sight not only believe, but know from ex-
perience, that the following way is perfectly
sale; at least, It has so proved in my own
practice and observation, so that feel safe in
recommending 1t where lettering cattle is de-
sirable: sse4 omea . egassa q ,i1al snilall- ig9
Procure light chains, with short links, made
from wire about the size of telegraph wire,
have one or two swivels in each chain, ring
about two inches In diameter at one end, and
one at the other end made fiat at one side to
buckle strap through. The chains may be
OF any desired length; those have used were
about 30 feet. From 20 to 80 feet is about
the right length. Take piece of leather,
like that of cewhide bootleg, about II inch
es wide and inches long, make smooth,
round hole near each end of size to fit the an
imaps horn below the button on the tip, re-
move the button and put on the strap double,
then replace the button securely, and the COW
or OK is ready; you now can buckle the short
strap affixed to the chain through this strap
on the horn, and it is done. The animal very
soon accustoms itself to the chain, will move
and place It conveniently for feeding, and the
chain being of sufficient weight, it drops on
the ground without becoming entangled. An
important item, omitted above, is substan-
tiai hard wood stake, with an enlarged head
to hold the ring when the stake is driven in
to the ground. 1t may be is inches long, or
longer, accnrding to the soil into which It is
to be driven. The ring should move loosely
on the stake, that 1t may turn around as the
animal moves In circle. Horses, sheep and
calves may be tethered by strap around the
leg just above the fetlock, to which THE
chain is fastened. After a few hours thew
will become so used to it that they will not
apparently notice It, Corr. Country Gentle
man.