Farming of Leicestershire. 297 



" cobs," being placed in or near to the fields where the grass 

 grew. 



The mode of thatching these " cobs " is peculiar, and leads to 

 the inference that straw is more valuable than hay, so sparingly 

 is it often used. The line of thatch scarcely extends half-way 

 from the apex to the eaves, the remainder of the slope being 

 wholly unprotected. Practically, however, little waste results 

 from this ; the top being thoroughly consolidated, and all the 

 loose hay carefully pulled and raked off, the rain-water shoots off 

 without penetrating the stack. 



This admission applies only to properly built " cobs," con- 

 sumed during the first year ; when allowed to stand more than 

 one year, the holes apparent in the sides betoken the existence of 

 waste. 



The hay is consumed by the cattle in the fields, being spread 

 about daily on the ground. Careful " foddermen " are in request 

 for this ; unskilful or careless ones causing very serious waste. 

 But at the best the practice is a bad one, as with the utmost care 

 a certain amount of waste cannot be avoided, and it is one of the 

 many evils resulting from the want of a sufficiency of farm- 

 buildings. 



The grazier commences laying in his stock in March, from 

 then buying as occasion offers up to May, by which time he will 

 probably have got his required number. Those bought early get 

 a feed of hay daily on the pastures until the grass affords a full 

 bite. 



Early in July the most forward will be fit for the butcher, 

 when drafting out and selling commences, a certain number 

 sroins: weeklv until November, when all that are then unfit to go 

 as fat are taken into the stalls, if there are any, and are then 

 lopped out on hay and cake, commencing with 6 or 7 lbs. of the 

 latter, and finishing with as much as 14 lbs. 



A general clearance of fat stock is usually made about the 

 beginning of January. 



The sheep stock (yearling wethers) are usually bought in Sep- 

 tember and October, and on the best lands are run at the rate of 

 1^ per acre, coming out prime fat in May, June, and July, being 

 drafted weekly as above described with the cattle. 



Many graziers stock partly with lambs during the winter, a 

 little cake or corn being given to them on the grass. In the early 

 part of the season they are as stores run thick, but gradually get 

 more field room as the wethers are sold off, and are fattened and 

 sold in September, October, and November. Some run the 

 lambs as stores all the first year, and fatten out early as two- 

 shear. 



Others buy a certain number of cull ewes from the store and 



