The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-08-02
THE Better Condition OF Farm stock.

From Addrsa off $ Peer Before ne New York STAT
D1iryntn'J ANoctGtion.
The difference in the condition OF ami.
mails soiled and those pastured shows a de.
cided advantage in favor Of the former
method. During the heat OF the day the
cows may be kept in cool, dark stables,
thus relieved 10 a great measure from the
flies which drive them into a Satellite
short Of frenzy. They are also protected
from severe storms and intense heat; secure
from breaking into fields OF growing grain
aud fruit orchards: from eating ~noxious
weeds which may injure the flavor or
quality Of the butter; last il not least, they
are ensured against hunger or excessive
Thirst. These and all otheraanoyances in
cident to pasturing are removed by proper
management, and show forth some OF the
strong points in favor Of the soiling system.
No observing farmer or dairyman need
be told that cows and sheep, including all
animals that chew their cud, are ayerse to
any very great amount OF exercise to OBJ
tain their food; but if supplied in aDund-
ance ill themselves quickly and lie down.
And is while chewing their cud that an
animal may be said to be feeding. Pro-
fessor Willard says: at is not necessary
that a COW should be continually feeding,
for we can see by the peculiar structure. OF
the stomach that nature intended q great
portion OF the time to be spent at rest, that
the process OF digestion be perfected. The
first stomach is simply a receptacle for
storiDga quantity Of food to be used and
enjoyed at leisure. As the iot d IL collect
ed into the first stomach it is very imper-
fectly masticated. After having filled this
receptacle, the animal rests from her labor
and prepares to enjoy the food. This is
thrown back into the mouth in small
quantities to be chewed, then goes to the
third and fourth stomachs to be properly
digeated and assimilated. Hence rest Is
essential, and to deprive the animal OF a
comfortable resting place or drive her into
the hot sun while in the act OF masticating
her food, is not only cruel, but a piece OF
intolerable stupidity" He adds that the
principle is true, whether acknowledged or
otherwise, that the more comfortable we
keep u stock the better will be the result.
II during the heat Of the day cattle seek
shade and lie down to rest, their quietness,
comfort and enjoyment will ada more 10
the milk pail than food taken in excessive
exercise.
During the past three years it has been
my practice to stable cows throughout the
day, supplying them with an abundance OF
rich, succulent food, and at night turning
them out into the barnyard 10 enjoy the
cool night air and exercise at will. The
stables are In the basement OF a thirty by
forty five feet barn; the windows darkened
the season Of flies. A bedding fur!
nished Of shavings or straw or both, and
here the COVE seem TO take solid comfort,
forming a decided contrast to those in the
field YEARLY seeking their food, thirsty,
fighting flies, oppressed by the heat Of the
sun, all Of which is suggestive Of anything
but comfort
II you wish to thoroughly test this ques.
tion1of better condition and comfort Of
farm stock, turn half your cows out 10 pas.
ture and soil the remainder any time
aiter July 1st. As Is well known,
stock should be abundantly supplied with
pure water near at hand, for ii obliged to
seek it at some little distance they will de.
lay until they become very thirsty. This
Is not only a source Of annoyance to stock,
but a tangible loss to the farmer. Milk
be made without water, and il it is
10 be secreted largely, a large quantity Of
water is absolutely Indispensable. The
system affords a decided advantage
In the above particular, as one good, meyer
well, spring, or %cistern, at the barn,
answers every purpose, while the inconve-
nience OF providing water within easy &C.
cess to every field as is necessary in pastur.
ing, is very considerable, .