ITALY. 349 



I Lave alluded to tbe race of aniraafs preferred here for fattening; 

 generally and constantly tbe Tyrolese are thought, beyond comparison, 

 better both for labor and slaughter in this region. The so-called Fel- 

 brini or Bollonisi are purchased, but relatively few, while the native 

 stock, Puglicse, stand lowest; without doubt there are reasons for this, 

 drawn from long experience. It is worthy of note- that in general here, 

 in opposition to the usage of other parts of the province, neither in the 

 forage nor otherwise is the least particle of salt ever given to cuttle; 

 that they are curried and cleansed of every kind of filih, and their coats 

 kept as lustrous as possible ; that the stable is never entirely closed 

 even in winter, in the belief that a constant supply of fresh air is indis- 

 pensable to the animals. It is remarked that they succeed better in 

 winter, as well in the quantity cf ilesh as in its flavor. 



The usual practice of speculators in this industry is to content them- 

 selves with the moderate result of four or live months of the above 

 treatment, the profits of the operation diminishing with a farther out- 

 lay ; there exists, however, asortcf ambition with certain individuals 

 to carry their products to the utmost perfection, even with lessoned gain, 

 and this emulation has done much, doubtless, to maintain tho singular 

 reputation of the locality, due in part also to the special quality of the 

 forage. This is generally asserted, though no explanation is iouud of 

 the superiority claimed. 



A report from the intendant of one of the great proprietary families 

 of the region makes a higher estimate. After stating the methods prac- 

 ticed in his neighborhood (sometimes much the same as thoeo mentioned 

 above) he continues: 



The animal to bo fattened should bo neither too young nor to old, say from six to 

 eight years; his live weight attho moment of pattlDg under treatment is commonly 

 from 1,100 to 1,320 pounds. In thm; months ho is at half-flesh, but to put him in full 

 condition, after these three mouths ou green foo-1, three months more are necessary 

 on dry forage. 



During the three months of green feeding no dry forage is given; 

 grass alone with tops and shucks of Indian corn, &c., and two daily 

 draftsof warm water, with 1 kilogram of oil cake (2.13 pounds). After- 

 ward he receives about 33 pounds of dry forage divided into. three 

 rations, changing the quality at each meal; the hay should be of the 

 first mowing; the oil-cake drafts to bo continued with an addition of 

 17J pounds of oil-cake. The shucks in these last three months should 

 be peeled and dried and given morning and evening, about 4J pounds at 

 a time. 



An animal well fattened gaius an addition of about one-half his orig- 

 inal weight, attaining to from 1,650 to 1,080 pounds ; the dead weight is 

 calculated at about 30 less. Attention should be paid to the habits and 

 temperament of the animal, perfect cleanliness of animal and stall, 

 abundance of litter, and constant ventilation, however cold the weather, 

 regular currying after each meal, and after the draft, fresh water to his 

 thirst. 



Differences of opinion exist among specialists in regard to the neces- 

 sity of salt as an element of diet; practically, it seems immaterial here, 

 owing, perhaps, to the nature of the forage, which in certain situations 

 is known to absorb a considerable quantity of salt in its growth. A 

 strong prejudice exists, among peasant breeders principally, against 

 currying the animals while in process of fattening, under the persuasion 

 that every disturbance of the cuticle interferes with their digestion, and 

 particularly with the foimation of suet; the substitute being to brush 

 the back and head, around and between the horns, with a broom or 



