On Soiling Cattle. 349 
more by soiling than they did from grazing, for there 
can be but little doubt, that grasses at or near maturity 
contain a larger share of nutriment and are less disposed 
to purge the cattle. I have also noticed, that when the 
grass gets quite old and is dying as it stands in the 
field, they are not so fond of it, but still continue to eat 
it more freely than the young and tender grasses. . 
I have obtained an early cutting from rye sown thick 
on ground designed for potatoes, it was ready about the 
first of May, and proved valuable, as red clover was 
about a week later. 
Cattle are fond of oats cut green, and it is said by 
many, that poor land is much improved by sowing 
them for pasture, and I observe one gentleman attributes 
a large share of the improvement to their roots, but 
whether this is, or is not the case, it can scarcely be 
doubted that the improvement would be much greater 
by feeding the tops in yards. 
And am, Sir, with respect, 
*Your obedient humble servant, 
Joun Lorain. 
James Measez, M. D. 
