THE PRACTICAL COUNTRY GENTLEMAN 



twist; a large mellow cod; a low, full, thick 

 flank that stands out and rolls visibly as the 

 animal walks; fulness and smoothness at rump 

 and tail-head, indicate that degree of fatness 

 which is essential to the highest quality in beef. 



The labor of caring for beef cattle is small 

 compared with the work required for a herd of 

 milch cattle. A building suitable for wintering 

 steers will cost little, as a plain shed-roof struc- 

 ture with folding doors on the south side, pro- 

 vided with plenty of windows, will suffice. The 

 floor may be either of vitrified brick or cement. 

 In building such a floor, first dig out the soil to 

 the depth of two feet, then fill in with cinders 

 within a foot of the surface, dampen and tamp 

 well. Over this place a layer of tarred paper 

 with the joints well lapped. The concrete floor 

 or bricks may then be laid with the assurance 

 that the floor will never be damp. Provide run- 

 ning water and plenty of straw for bedding. 



The demand for lamb in midwinter is grow- 

 ing rapidly and has already outstripped the sup- 

 ply. It is generally admitted that the Dorset- 

 Horns are the best breed for winter lambs. In 



74 



