The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1903-08-06
PREPARING FOR WINTER.

It Is always important that farmer
keep his work we'll in hand at all sea-
sons OF the year, but especially is it
desirable to have everything possible
in readiness for winter. Any time
now we may expect cold or stormy
weather, such as is most disagTeeable
for stock to be out in, hence the neces-
sity for having the winter quarters
in a condition to be used as soon as
wanted. And they should be put in
the most suitable condition, too, for
here is where the stock of all kinds
will have to remain most of the time
for half or more of the year to come.
Not only should the stables and pens
be roomy, warm, well-lighted and
comfortable, but the barns generally
should be so arranged as to be the
most convenient for those having the
care of the animals during the winter
season. Much time, travel and labor
can be saved by proper attention to
these details, more than one who has
not fully considered the matter is
aware of.
There is such a thing as having the
barn arrangement suca as will make
it pleasant and agreeable work caring
for the stock during our long winters
or, on the contrary, for want of proper
arrangements it may be made most
disagreeable and unsatisfactory.
The stables should be sufficiently
warm, but not close and unventilated,
and there should be plenty of light for
all purposes. A dark, low, bad-smell-
ing stable is an abomination to man
and beast. And when the nights get
cold and there are bad storms, the
COWS will be much better off in the
stable than out of doors, and will ex-
hibit the appreciation of such comfort
able quarters by great contentment
and increased weld Of milk.
Another thing, it is not wise to url-
dertake to winter more stock than can
we'll be kept and cared for, as this is
neither pleasant nor profitable.
Young animals should be kept thrifty
and growing all winter, and COWS CIV
ing milk should receive the best OF
attention in care and feed, 80 they
may give satisfactory returns at the
pail.
Stock of all kinds should come to
the barn in good thrifty condition; as
this is the best preparation for pass
ing through the long winter in a salts
factory manner.
Aside from the stables for the cows
and most of the young cattle, 1t will
be very convenient to have several
pens which may be used for a variety
of purposes as needed. This will be
found most convenient arrangement.
We find it better to tie calves from six
months to a year old in stable, the
same as other cattle. They learn to
become quiet in this way; and can be
more satisfactorily fed than when sew
eral are in pen together.
The water is also an important mat
ter in the care of stock in winter. 1t
should not be too far away, causing
travel and exposure in bad weather,
and should be warm enough for the
comfort of the animals.
These suggestions may appear to ap-
ply, as they do, more particularly to
the northern part Of the United States,
but there is comparatively small
portion of the United States in which
there should not be suitable provision
made for the care Of the stock in win
ter, as regards shelter and food. 1t
will be profitable even in the most
favored parts of the country to pro-
vide suitable shelter for animals, as
the loss from the want Of it may soon
be sufficient to pay the cost Of con-
struction.-E. r. Towle, in American
CultiyatOr.