384 BRITISH HUSBANDRY. [Ch. XXXlV. 



mode of supplying it, will find himself deceived in his expectation of their 

 improvement. 



The first point is the comfort of accommodation ; for in whatever 

 way they may be placed — whether under sheds or in close ox-houses 

 — they should have the security of perfect shelter from the weather, 

 with a certain degree of warmth ; that is to say — if in open hammels, 

 the sheds should be broad, the roof low, and the floor well covered 

 witli an abundance of dry litter. We are, however, decidedly of 

 opinion, that close stalls will further the object more promptly; though 

 we do not coincide in the idea that it will be promoted by too much 

 heat, and we should therefore recommend a moderate degree of 

 healthful ventilation. In these stalls litter is, indeed, very frequently 

 dispensed with, — or else sand, or any rubbish, is substituted for straw; 

 but there can be no doubt that the animals enjoy the comfort of a dry 

 bed as well as their master, and the more they seek repose in it the 

 better. 



The next, is strict regularity in the administration of food — both as 

 regards the stated quantity, and the time of supplying it. The periods 

 may be regulated as the feeder thinks proper ; but, whenever adopted, 

 should never be afterwards altered. The ox is a quiet animal, 

 and those which are fed in the house soon acquire a precise know- 

 ledge of the exact hour at which it is usually given : if tiiat be trans- 

 gressed, or the customary quantity be not furnished, they become rest- 

 less, but if the time and quantity be strictly adhered to, they remain 

 tranquil until the next period arrives. If no disturbance takes place, 

 they, indeed, then generally lie down to ruminate, and nothing will 

 be found to more forward the process of fatting than this perfect 

 quietude ; wherefore, not only should the stalls be well bedded, but 

 light should be very much excluded, the doors should be closed, all 

 outvvard annoyance as far as possible prevented — and, in short, every 

 means should be induced to promote complete rest, ease, and content* 

 ment. 



Some persons serve it out as often as five times in the day ; but 

 the most prudent, and we think the better practice, is to give it as soon 

 as possible after daylight, at noon, and some time before sunset ; 

 whicli enables the animals to fill their bellies, and to have time suf- 

 ficient for that quiet digestion which is interrupted by too frequent 

 feeding. In stating that the quantity should be moderate, we hov/- 

 ever allude merely to the not allowing the animal to have so much as 

 will cloy him ; he ought always to have as much as he can fairly eat 

 with a relish, but the moment he begins to toss it about, it will be 

 then evident that the keenness of his appetite is satisfied, and it should 

 be instantly removed. 



The last is thorough cleanliness. The ox-house should be opened 

 before daylight, and well cleaned, both by pail and broom, from every 

 impurity. After the animals have been satisfied with food, whatever 

 may remain should be immediately removed ; and the cribs and 

 mangers should be carefully swept out, and washed, if necessary} 

 water should then be given without limitation *. If their hides be 



* Accordin;^ to an experiment stated by Sir John Sinclair, an old man was appointed 

 to discover how ol'ten some cattle, consuming straw and chaff' on a farm, went to the 

 waterin^-trouj^h in a short winter's day, and that he might not be confused in the 

 execution of his orders, one particular bullock was pointed out for his report ; according 

 to which, he dranit eight timet in the course of the day, and the man was convinced 



