SWISS FARMING. 571 



either carpeted or sanded ; and exhibit the same perfect neatness 

 as the rest of the apartment in which the family live. In all 

 cases, both in Holland and Flanders, the cow-stalls, while occu- ; 

 pied by the cows, are frequently washed with water, which, 

 besides the purpose of cleanliness, serves to increase the contents 

 of the urine cistern ; and over every stall is a cord suspended, by 

 which the tail of the cow is tied when milked, to prevent her 

 slapping the face of the milker, or throwing any dirt into the 

 pail. Indeed, the neatness of all their arrangements is perfect. 

 The farmer and laborers have their clean shoes or slippers at the 

 door, where they always exchange their out-door shoes on enter 

 ing, that they may bring no dirt into the house. The contrast 

 between a Dutch farm-house and an Irish cabin or wigwam, is 

 most remarkable. 



The Swiss farm-house differs entirely from the Dutch. It is 

 a somewhat stately erection, generally of two stories and high 

 roof, with a piazza in front of the second story, to which there 

 is access from the outside by steps. The lower story, or ground 

 floor, is occupied by the live stock ; and the second floor by the 

 family. This spirit of fraternization and equality, which appears 

 both among the Dutch and the Swiss, in regard to those useful 

 animals upon whom their living and wealth depend, is certainly 

 an amiable trait of character ; and is much more harmless in its 

 operation, if we may judge from the results in the two cases, 

 than when applied to human society. The neatness of several 

 of the Swiss farm-houses which I visited, if not so remarkable 

 as that of the Dutch, is really exemplary. 



CXLIV. SWISS FARMING. 



The farming in Switzerland varies very much in different 

 cantons or districts. The soil varies, and the rugged aspect and 

 broken and mountainous character of the country give a variety 

 to their cultivation and modes of life, which at once impress a 

 visitor. The habits and appearance of the population certainly 

 differ much in different parts. 



