The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-11-20
FOOD AND SHELTER FOR STOCK
n Common Sense and Timely Article on
an Important Topic.

! - NA0 - hO1 W NC Hdu VI inc IiSlI hl1u
and in sufficient quantity, the very foun-
datiOn of the industry is wanting. The
food required by the animals usually re-
ferred to under the general head of
stock may be natural product as found
on the prairies of our Western States, in
South America, Australia and other
parts of the world. or it may be pro-
dhced artificially, as in the more thickly
settled parts of this and other countries;
but. however produced, its abundance
or scarcity fixes the number of animals
that can be raised within a given area,
and very often determines their value.
But whether the stock raiser depends
upon the indigenous food resources of
a country or those raised by artificial
| means, there will always be some I'M
certainty in regard to results, for man
| cannot control the weather, and as it
may be favorable or unfavorable, the
stock raiser mus run great risk, no
matter in what country he may be
located. In all warm countries he must
run the risk of long and severe droughts;
in cold ones of short seasons and long
cold winters; and if he chooses an inter-
mediate climate. he is never certain
whether it will be from heat or cold that
his animals are to suffer most.
Australia, with its almost unlimited
range for cattle and sheep, has long
been considered as kind of StOckman's
paradise, but the climate is not only
dry one naturally, but occasionally the
drOughts are so disastrous to the native
grasses that thousands and hundreds of
thousands of animals perish for the
want of food, as was the case during
the past season. OF course the loss
would have been less severe had the
owners of the stock taken the precau-
ton to lay up a supply of food when
it was abundant and could have been
obtained cheaply, or merely for the cost
of gathering.
But we have no occasion to 90 so far
away from home to find plenty of in
stances or the grOSSeSt negligence on
the part of StOckmen to gather food
when it is plentiful for use when it is
sadly needed by their starving animals.
There are at this moment hundreds of
thousands of cattle on the Western
HiSNiAlS anu ~ ill iCN- IOl VIII LO DIO-
vision has been made in the way of food |
for the coming winter. OF course, it is
expected that they will be able to live |
on the dry heritage to be gathered on |
the range, but should snow fall and |
cover these natural pastures, the ami |
mails, forced to depend upon such |
precariOuS source OF food, must suffer |
more or less or perish, is they fire.
quently do in large numbers.
Not only do animals suffer for want |
of food when kept under such circum-
stances, but very frequently they have
to endure excruciating torture through
exposure to cold storms. Many of the
stOck-raiSerS in Texas, New Mexico,
and northward, assure us that they can
not afford to gather hay for feeding
their animals during severe storms in
winter, while others are just as posi-
tive that such precautionary measures
are absolutely necessary to success IL all
parts of the regions named; but we are
inclined to think that the man who
looks most to the comfort as well rs the
actual wants of his animals is pretty
certain to come out ahead in the end.
But if the food is neglected, shelter
can certainly be provided, even for the
largest herds, and almost anywhere on
the plains or prairieS. If boards and
lumber of various kinds are not to be
obtained, sod or adobe walls NAV be
readily constructed of sufficient height
to break the force of the cold winds of
winter, which are frequently more dis
than a few days of fasting. 1t
Is a question whether man has amoral
right to breed or own animals to which
he can not or will not give proper at
tentiOn. 1t is utterly useless, however,
to talk to most stOck-raisers in new
about the comforts or suffer-
ngs of their animals, unless we can
prove to them that there is more money
to be made by kindness than by cruelty.
Unfortunately for the animals raised
On the great cattle ranges of the West,
ne owners are seldom present to wit
ness their sutferings through neglect or
having them in charge is to so manage
he herd that there will be a gain in
numbers at the annual round up"
What may have occurred during the
ear is supposed to pass unrecorded and
and should there be a decrease
n numbers the eyer-ready excuse is''un-
,reccdented severe storms. This is
IN old and common excuse for neglect
n providing food and shelter for the
Inimals whenever it is required in win
er. We have no law that will prevent
nen from turning animals out on the
,leak prairies of the West to perish for
he want of food, or freeze to death
Turing the ever-recurring cold storms
n those regions; but there ought to be
me. and no doubt will be when our peO-
lie become aware of the facts in regard
o this matter.
In the older States, and where every
ar1ner keeps more or less animals of
ariOus kinds, the idea has become quite
PREVALENT that extra care in the matter
f choice food. pure water, and warm
tables in winter is not only essential,
'ut pays good profit on the cost. The
armer who provides an ample supply OF ,
God and warm quarters for his animals
ranks among the thrifty men
f the community; besides. such men
10 not usually seek loans from neigh
Ors or the banks. or complain of hard
lines and low prices of farm products
here is, we will admit, an occasional
anchman in the West who has profted
y his own or the experience of others
\ the same line of business; such men 7
axe no risks, but provide both food and
heller in advance. in order to have
hem ready. If needed. Such precau-
ionary measures are considered in the I
ght of an insurance upon the lives of
heir animals; instead OF paying premi-
ms to a cattle insurance company, +,