CHAP. XIX.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 379 



is of too much weight to allow of its being 

 altered by those who keep but one cow ; but 

 to those who keep two, of a good breed, and 

 who have spare ground enough around their 

 house for pasture, we strenuously recom- 

 mend the retention of a cow-calf, for the 

 continuance of the stock. It is, indeed, al- 

 ways desirable to have a cow bred upon the 

 land on which she is to be maintained; for, 

 independently of the pleasure of nurturing 

 the little animal as a pet, and bringing it 

 up as a sort of playfellow, it is inconceiv- 

 able how much better she will thrive on the 

 soil on which she was bom than upon land of 

 a different nature, and how much more do- 

 cile she will become and attached to those 

 who are kind to her, than if placed among 

 strangers. 



The rearing of a calf is an easy matter ; 

 and, if properly managed, will not long de- 

 prive the family of its owner of the cow's 

 milk. " The cow should calve down by the 

 middle of the month of March or April at 

 the farthest ; as a late calf will not be suffi- 

 ciently grown to hardily stand the winter, and 

 the earlier it is dropped in the spring, the 

 better will it be able to meet the inclemency 



