No. 112.] 489 



to the growth or repair the waste of the body, is firs.t converted 

 into a fluid or to ^ state of solution in a fluid. This point once 

 being understood and conceded,! think the question about water- 

 ing sheep in winter can at once be decided as well as that of any 

 other stock, especially if their feed be dry. 



The earths, strictly so called, constitute but a small portion of 

 the material of plants, the principal use of them being to give the 

 plant a firm position, and to receive a portion of the material adap- 

 ted to the growth, and the proper condition of the earth would 

 seem to be that it be so mellow as to be easily penetrated by the 

 roots of a plant, and at the same time sufiiciently compact to hold 

 the roots firmly in their place. The growth of vegetation is also 

 affected by fluids both aqueous and aerial, and by substances in a 

 state of solution in a fluid. The three fluids which mainly con- 

 tribute to the growth of vegetation, are carbon, oxygen and hydro- 

 gen. The two last named composing water, and which is togeth- 

 er with the materials held in solution by it, and necessary to its 

 growth, taken up by the plant. 



Carbon being the greater portion of the substance of every plant 

 is derived from the atmosphere, it being rapidly absorbed by the 

 leaves; and here we might stop and make a rational and practical \ 

 conclusion about the injurious effects resulting from the close feed- 

 ing of grass lands in the fall. The unfed field has all its leaves sound 

 and vigorous, ready to imbibe the carbonic acid gas in the atmos- 

 phere at tlie first approach of warm weather, and a rapid growth 

 is the consequence ; while #ie field that is close fed presents an 

 appearance decidedly the reverse. The same injurious effects re- 

 sult from close feeding in the spring. The plant being deprived 

 of the org;ins through which it should receive its food, it avails 

 nothing to tlie 2>lant that the atmospliere is full of the substance 

 adapted to its growth. Tlie true system would seem to be to cut 

 and cure fodder enough to keep our stock until our pastures are 

 nearly full grown, as an acre of well cured fodder will keep more 

 stock than an acre of pasture under the best management. 



And now, while upon tlie subject of feeding stock,! would like 

 to say a few words on the kindred subject of shelter for stock in 

 winter. A certain degree of heat is necessary in the animal body 



