110 PLAX. 



challenge through the Norwich and London papers, to 

 test the merits of the compound with oil-cake, which 

 challenge not being accepted, Mr. Postle, of Smallburg, 

 determined to try the experiment upon his own premises. 

 Twelve bullocks being selected, and divided into two lots 

 by competent judges, were weighed and placed in sepa- 

 rate yards ; one lot to be fed on native produce at a fixed 

 amount per week, and the other on foreign oil-cake at 

 the same cost each lot to be allowed as many turnips, 

 previously weighed, as they could eat per day, in order 

 that the most accurate account, both of quantity and 

 cost for food consumed, might be kept. 



During the course of the experiment, every facility 

 was afforded to the public to inspect the cattle and the 

 new mode of grazing. In due time Mr. Postle advertised 

 the day on which his bullocks were to be shown and 

 weighed at Norwich. Numbers from distant parts came 

 to see them ; and, in order to arrive at the most correct 

 conclusion, he sold all the twelve to one butcher. 



"When first selected, the six beasts fed on compound 

 weighed 602 stone, and those on oil-cake 590 stone. 

 When fat, the live weight of the former was 725 stone ; 

 of the latter, 705 stone, being a difference of eight stone 

 (the twelve stone overweight at the first being deducted) 

 in favour of those fed on compound. But it was in the 

 dead weight of each lot that the greater difference was 

 shown the compound-fed yielding 44 stone 9 Ibs. of meat 

 more than those fed on oil-cake ; but taking the loose 

 fat and hides, the difference in favour of the former 

 was 50 stone 6 Ibs. ; or 38 stone 6 Ibs., deducting the twelve 

 stone original extra live weight. While there is this 

 increase of meat, there is a considerable decrease of ex- 

 pense between those fed on home produce and those fed 

 on foreign oil-cake. The former consumed a smaller 

 quantity of turnips than the latter ; and the cost of the 

 compound was only 19. 6s. l%d. ; whilst that of the oil- 

 cake was 21. 14s. 9d. 



The only apparatus required for the system recom- 

 mended is a linseed-crusher, an iron copper, a hand-cup, 



