48 THE CATTLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



had ceased to pursue tlie course they have adopted, and which 

 has done more to gain them respect than any other of their 

 useful efforts. The quality of a cake may be ascertained to 

 some extent by a careful examination under a microscope, and 

 by maceration in hot water ; but it is wise before making a 

 large purchase to have an opinion from a good authority. 



We may here pause to notice the reasons why linseed cake 

 possesses such high feeding qualities, and is so generally 

 esteemed. In order to arrive at a satisfactory answer, we must 

 first inquire what the animal system requires. First and fore- 

 most, matter that will supply the daily waste of muscle, or 

 which will build up new muscular structure; secondly, that 

 which provides fuel for keeping up the heat of the body, and 

 which when supplied in excess of these requirements can be 

 deposited as fat ; and, lastly, mineral substances suitable for 

 the construction of bone. The following analysis by the late 

 Dr. Yoelcker may be relied on as giving the contents of a good 

 average cake : 



Moisture 12*44 



Oil 12-79 



Nitrogenized, or flesh forming principles 27*28 



Heat-giving substances 41*36 



Mineral matters (ash) 6*13 



100*00 

 The above requires but little consideration. Linseed oil- cake 

 contains a large proportion of two most valuable ingredients — 

 ready-made oil and ready-made flesh. Mr. Lawes has proved 

 by experiments that vegetable oil is two and a half times more 

 valuable than the class of starch compounds which exist to so 

 large an extent in most vegetable substances : hence one expla- 

 nation of the value of linseed cake. The oil being so valuable, 

 the use of the seed has been advocated. Indeed, we believe 

 that the system of feeding animals in boxes was introduced by 

 Mr. Warnes, in order to feed on linseed. There are two good 

 reasons against the use of the seed. First, the value of the oil for 

 commercial purposes is too great to allow of its economical use ; 

 and, secondly, we may have too much of a good thing. When 

 properly mixed with other food, linseed is very feeding, but its 

 action in excess is purgative ; and cheaper material can be 



