DIGESTION AND WINTER FEEDING. 39 



second. This explains why, in giving a medicine, it some- 

 times takes no effect ; it probably having fallen into the 

 paunch, instead of going to the end of the passage. Remedies 

 should always be given in the liquid form, and be given very 

 slowl}^ : a ball would be sure to enter the paunch, and be 

 useless. In the calf and lamb the first and second stomachs 

 are of but little use, the food going to the true seat of 

 digestion. In the mature animal, however, they are more 

 directly utilized, as hay and rough fodder go to the first ; 

 water, to the second ; and meal, only to the third, and even, 

 in some instances, directly to the fourth. 



The methods of feeding stock are of nearly as much practi- 

 cal importance in the results as the nature of the food itself. 

 How often have we seen even as voracious animals as swine 

 cloyed by too liberal feeding ! and, when once cloyed, it is 

 hard to bring them to an appetite again. The most profit 

 is derived from stock that inherit strong, vigorous constitu- 

 tions, and are kept growing, without any set-backs, till ma- 

 turity, and then worked to the fullest capacity, even though 

 it may somewhat shorten their period of usefulness. The 

 animal must work in some way ; and, when work ceases, 

 expense commences. 



Milch stock should be fed all that it will digest ; and that 

 is limited only by what they will hold. Give them time 

 enough, and every particle in a well-filled paunch will be 

 thoroughly digested. A period of rest should be allowed 

 before calling the organs again into action by feeding. 



Many, and I think the majority of stockmen, feed their 

 swine and horses three times a day. As far as the horse is 

 concerned, I think that this is the correct way; for his 

 stomach is small, and, if fed less frequently, there is danger 

 of its beinsf too much distended. Its muscular action is 

 prevented, the secretion of the gastric fluid retarded or 

 suppressed, digestion is only partially performed, and the 

 foundation for disease is received. But in the case of such a 

 voracious creature as the hog, an animal that possesses the 

 strongest of digestive organs, I think that his natural habit 

 of eating about all the time might be so far considered as to 

 feed him four times a day, and very young pigs at least five. 

 But with regard to sheep and cattle the case is different : 

 the enormous paunch will contain food enough to last a 



