262 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



in the pasture according to the choice of the dairyman. We 

 choose, however, to let them run on the same pasture night and 

 day, changing pastures often. When the nights become cool, 

 they should be stabled and fed regularly. The stable is best 

 situated on the south side of the barn, well lighted, and with 

 suitable means for ventilation. We prefer to fasten milch cows 

 in stanchions, for various reasons : it is quicker, neater and 

 safer, and when they are accustomed to lie in them, they appear 

 perfectly comfortable. Calves and heifers should be fastened 

 with chains, because, when their horns are soft, the stanchion 

 will often cause them to grow crooked. The floor planks on 

 which the cow lies should be of such a length that when she is 

 down her whole weight will rest upon the platform. This 

 platform, for a large-sized cow, should be four feet nine inches 

 long, but slightly inclined, and raised six inches above the 

 trench. When fastened with stanchions upon a raised platform 

 of suitable length, it is very little trouble to keep animals clean. 

 If one prefers to fasten with chains, the floor must be longer in 

 order to keep them clean, as they change their position so often. 

 For bedding we should recommend the free use of sand when it 

 can be obtained. Experience has shown that it rids cattle of 

 vermin, and moreover it is of great value in the manure pile, 

 especially for a clayey soil. 



In relation to the construction of the manger it may be proper 

 to say a few words. The general rule for our guidance, how- 

 ever, in its construction, should be to promote the comfort of 

 the cow in eating from it. To accomplish this the floor should 

 be raised about two inches above the platform on which the cow 

 stands, thus preventing all reaching for food, and from slipping 

 and falling upon the knees. 



WINTER FEEDING. 



Having considered what we think to be the proper method of 

 raising the cow from the calf, and of tying her up, and having 

 spoken of the floor upon which she stands, and the manger 

 from which she eats, we properly come now to consider her food 

 and the manner of feeding it. It is not so much the" kind of 

 food, or how we prepare it, as the method of giving it, that we 

 are to consider. In regard to the preparation, however, some 

 recommend very highly steamed feed, and claim it to be a great 



