BUILDINGS, AND THE MANUFACTURE OF MANURE. 63 



must be made into manure, either passed through or put under 

 the animal. Animals placed in roomy compartments, with 

 plenty of air, at an even temperature, must thrive faster and be 

 in a more healthy condition than when crowded up in a feeding 

 house, with little head room, and often exposed to draughts. 

 This is almost self evident. Neither do we agree with those 

 who see an objection to covered yards, on the score that when 

 straw is abundant, it cannot be consumed. Such an argument 

 might have had weight in olden times ; but now, with the pulper 

 and chaff-cutter, a considerable portion may be advantageously 

 passed through the animal. And, indeed, this economising of 

 straw we regard as the greatest argument in favour of covered 

 yards. If cattle cannot be purchased, sheep will feed admirably 

 under cover, provided due care is paid to their feet. 



We have been converted to the merits of covered yards by 

 actual experience some years since, as will be evident from our 

 remarks on this subject in the first edition. We then held quite 

 different views, and we remember being present at a meeting of 

 the Farmers' Club many years ago, when a Leicestershire grazier 

 stated that he would give from IZ. to 2Z. a head more for graziers 

 wintered in open yards than for animals that had been entirely 

 under cover, because they would thrive faster. This was no 

 doubt at the time a just indictment, arising from defective con- 

 struction and want of proper ventilation. Indeed, the success 

 of the system becomes very much a question of good ventilation. 

 This must be supplied by air admitted under the eaves and 

 above the animals, whilst the heated air should have an exit 

 through the roof, either at the centre, when the covering material 

 is of an impervious nature, such as corrugated iron, or from 

 every part, which is much the best arrangement when the 

 covering material is porous, as is the case with open slating 

 or tiles. The colder air comes in freely at the eaves, and, being 

 heavier, sinks and forces up the hot air from the animal's 

 bodies. We may usefully summarise the principal facts in 

 favour of covered yards, which we take from a paper read at the 

 Farmers' Club in 1885. The subject was considered under five 

 heads : (1) Increased Value of the Manure ; (2) Saving of 

 Litter ; (3) Economy of Food ; (4) Details of Construction ; 

 (6) Cost and Eeturn. 



