LINSEED GOOD FOE HORSES. 317 



upon the flax-crop, rendering it a substitute for hay when not 

 deemed of sufficient value for the manufacturer. Of course I 

 allude to flax too short to repay the expenses of preparation ; 

 and refuse stalks under 18 inches long, such as are now being 

 given in the shape of compound to my own cattle. 



When flax is in blossom, a pretty correct estimatepf its value 

 can be formed. If not likely to produce a profitable descrip- 

 tion of fibre, the crop, when nearly ripe, should be mowed ; and 

 except being shaken over the ground, may be turned, cocked, 

 and treated in every respect like hay. The stalks will dry 

 more rapidly than grass, and should be carted as soon as 

 possible. 



In years of abundance, economy of food ought never to be 

 lost sight of; but, at a crisis like the present, waste, that 

 might be palliated under ordinary circumstances, becomes 

 highly culpable. A crisis, unparalleled in the history of the 

 United Kingdom ; for what page records such scenes of starva- 

 tion as are now daily witnessed in Ireland, Scotland, and in 

 some counties of England ? 



The same plans which economise food for animals, must of 

 necessity increase the supply for human beings. Hence this 

 volume is eminently calculated to meet the present times, as 

 economy lies at the foundation of my whole system. 



Were horses, both in town and country, fed upon linseed 

 according to the receipt in page 145, only using less water and 

 more linseed-meal ; one-half at least of the corn now consumed 

 in stables, would then find its way to the dwellings of the poor. 

 In some cases three parts of the oats, in others the whole, 

 might be superseded by linseed ; and expense, at the same 

 time, be considerably reduced.* 



Many opportunities have been afforded me of inspecting the 

 farm-premises of the greatest and of the least men in the 

 kingdom. Upon all I have invariably observed the same 

 neglect of cattle food and manure ; in quarters too where the 



* Linseed-meal, sprinkled in small quantities upon grains hot from the 

 brewery and intimately incorporated with the rammer (p. 136), is excellent 

 food, when mixed with chaff, for horses employed in slow work. Nor will 

 this compound turn sour if properly consolidated. 



