170 NEIGHBORS WITH CLA Wti AND HOOFS. 



She had her choice of standing-room, in the milking-yard, 

 and when she wanted to lie down there, or in the fields, 

 the best and softest spot was hers. 



12. " When the herd were foddered from the stack or 

 barn, or fed with pumpkins in the fall, she was always first 

 served. Her demeanor was quiet, but impressive. She 

 never bullied or gored her mates, but literally ruled them 

 with the breath of her nostrils. If any new-comer or 

 ambitious younger cow, however, chafed under her su- 

 premacy, she was ever ready to make good her claims. 

 And with what spirit would she fight when openly chal- 

 lenged ! She was a whirlwind of pluck and valor ; and 

 not after one defeat or two defeats would she yield the 

 championship. The boss-cow, when overcome, seems to 

 brood over her disgrace, and day after day will meet her 

 rival in fierce combat. 



13. "A friend of mine, a pastoral philosopher, whom 

 I have consulted in regard to the master-cow, thinks it is 

 seldom the case that one rales all the herd, if it number 

 many, but that there is often one that will rule nearly all. 

 ' Curiously enough,' he says, * a case like this will often 

 occur : No. 1 will whip No. 2 ; No. 2 whips No. 3, and 

 No. 3 whips No. 1 ; so around in a circle. This is not a 

 mistake ; it is often the case. I remember,' he continued, 

 6 we once had feeding out of a large bin, in the center of 

 the yard, six oxen who mastered right through in succes- 

 sion from No. 1 to No. 6 ; but No. 6 paid off the score by 

 whipping No. 1.' 



14. "How wise and sagacious the cows become that 

 run upon the street, or pick their living along the high- 

 way ! The mystery of gates and bars is at last solved to 

 them. They ponder over them by night, they lurk about 

 them by day, till they acquire a new sense till they be- 

 come en rapport with them and know when they are open 



