40 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



much longer period ; and twice a day, when well fed, will be 

 sufficient. This is the manner that I would advise feed- 

 ing, especially milch cows : Feed early in the morning with 

 the poorest and coarsest fodder that you have to feed out ; 

 and while they are eating it the milking should be per- 

 formed. As soon as they have finished it, another "fodder- 

 ing " of a better quality should be given, followed by a third, 

 of the best hay. In feeding in this way the cows will be 

 constantly eating, and will clean up all that is given them. 

 As soon as the last feeding has been consumed, the mangers 

 should be cleaned of any refuse left, and a feeding of roots 

 given, to be followed by meal or bran. When the feeding is 

 done, water immediately, seeing that each animal has its 

 supply. A cow will drink more water after eating than she 

 will after she has commenced to chew her cud. After drink- 

 ing, she should be returned to her stall, or left to sun herself 

 in a sheltered yard : she has then nothing more to do till 

 afternoon, but will occupy her time in rest and sleep, or medi- 

 tatively chew her cud. In the afternoon the feeding should 

 commence at three o'clock, and proceed in the same manner 

 as in the morning, with perhaps the omission of the roots. 

 In feeding bran or meal, if more than two quarts a day are 

 given, it is better to give it in two feedings than all at once, 

 for it is apt to pack and not be thoroughly digested when a 

 large quantity is passed into the stomach : or, better yet, 

 mix it with cut hay or straw, the same as usually fed to 

 horses ; it will then be directed to the paunch, and in that 

 case is sure to be digested, and the full benefit obtained. 



There are many articles that have been underrated by the 

 New-England farmer. He puts under his stock a great deal 

 that had better go into them. He will feed a few cornstalks, 

 but don't want many, as it is wasteful to feed them with- 

 out cutting them up ; and if cut up, the short, stiff pieces are 

 apt to make their mouths sore. And as for chaff and straw, 

 he declares that they are only fit for bedding ; but analy- 

 sis shows that these articles contain much of value if prop- 

 erly fed out. They would produce but poor returns if fed 

 by themselves ; but, combined with a few roots and a little 

 oil-cake, they will carry cattle through the winter better than 

 many farmers are able to do with the best of hay alone. I 

 have been obliged to use these articles on my own farm, and 

 have consequently seen their value. 



