CHAP. XXI.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 409 



hind legs "hobbled," with a strap twisted 

 round each foot just above the hoof, and 

 buckled together ; but if quietly disposed, 

 she may be milked in the field ; though the 

 hobble is not a bad precaution, as she some- 

 times, if teased by a fly or instigated by a 

 freak, will kick down the pail, or put her 

 foot into it : but even should this happen, she 

 should neither be beaten, nor harshly spoken 

 to. Patience and gentleness will overcome 

 the most perverse disposition: the dairy- 

 maid should therefore give the cow a name, 

 and mildly call her by it ; pat her, and 

 caress her when about to milk her. Her 

 udder, if at all soiled, or apparently . sore, 

 should be gently bathed with lukewarm 

 water, and she should be furnished with 

 some nice hay, or any root or vegetable that 

 may be grateful to her. It is a singular 

 fact, that she is evidently pleased with the 

 melody of music ; for, should the dairy-maid 

 sing a ballad while milking, the animal will 

 listen attentively, and yield her milk without 

 reluctance. 



In milking, considerable strength and 

 steadiness of hand is required to express the 



