ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 173 



and 4.2 per cent with the corn-fed cattle, when both classes of these animals 

 were in transit for less than 3G hours, to 5.4 per cent for the pulp-fed cattle 

 which were in transit from 60 to 120 hours. Cattle fed on silage have a large 

 grosB shrinkage but usually fill so well at the market that the net shrinkage 

 is small. Pulp-fed cattle shrink more in transit than any other class of cattle, 

 and also present a greater net shrinkage. 



" The shrinkage on cattle is proiwrtionately smaller for each 12 hours they 

 are in transit after the first 24-hour period is passed. For a long journey the 

 common method of unloading for feed, water, and rest is to be preferred to the 

 use of 'feed and water' cars. Cattle should be weighed before being loaded 

 wherever practicable, since a comparison of this weight with the sale weight 

 will show the net shrinkage. Moreover this weight at point of origin may be 

 of material benefit to the shipper in case of a wreck or a very poor run to 

 market." 



Sheep farming- in North Am.erica, J. A. Craig (New York, 1913, pp. XVIII + 

 302, pis. 25, figs. 3). — The chapters included in this book, which is one of the 

 Kural Science Series, are the position of sheep in profitable farming; sheep 

 farms and their equipment ; breeds of sheep ; formation and improvement of the 

 flock; seasonal management; lambing; fattening; preparation of sheep for 

 show ; and diseases. 



Boulonnaise breed of sheep, J. Teibondeau (Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 26 

 {1913), No. 32, pp. 180, 181, pi. i).— This is a brief description of this breed of 

 sheep and its distribtion throughout France and portions of Europe. Its char- 

 acteristics are hardiness and rustling and pasturing qualities, and its improve- 

 ment and promotion is recommended. 



Fitting" yearling" wethers and lambs for exhibition, G. C. Humphrey and 

 F. Kleinheinz (Wisconsin Sta. Bui. 232, pp. 26, figs. 12). — This bulletin is 

 intended as a practical guide in the selection, fitting, and showing of yearling 

 wethers and lambs for exhibition, but also reports experimental work in 

 feeding. 



In order to study the value of the various grain rations during two 3-year 

 fitting periods wethers intended for exhibition at the International Stock Expo- 

 sition were divided each year into 4 lots as uniform as possible with reference 

 to breed, size, and general quality. They were fed alike as to pasture, hay, 

 cabbage, and roots. Grain feeding began August 1 and continued to the latter 

 part of November. 



The results of these feeding operations are summarized as follows: "The 

 wethers fed peas, oats, and bran were awarded first place in the carcass compe- 

 tition between the various lots each of the 3 years of the second period, and were 

 also awarded the largest number of individual prizes at the show. Though 

 peas were comparatively expensive, they produced firm flesh of high quality 

 and also made good gains. They are therefore highly recommended for show 

 fitting when fed in combination with oats and bran. Barley, oats, and bran 

 ranked second in the carcass competition between the lots, and also in number 

 of individual prizes awarded in the open classes. Barley and oats stood third 

 in point of prizes won at the show and also ranked third in the carcass compe- 

 tition. This ration produced the lowest gains of any fed during the second 

 period. Corn, oats, and bran, and corn and oats produced the largest and most 

 economical gains, but, with a few exceptions, the wethers fed this ration were 

 inclined to be soft and overdone. Carcasses from the lot fed corn, oats, and 

 bran were never awarded prizes in the regular carcass classes. Whole oats fed 

 alone are a most excellent feed for sheep which are well advanced in flesh, but 

 as a rule, for sheep being fitted for fat classes, they are too bulky to insure the 

 desired finish." 



