80 



It is difficult to attach too much importance to the second point 

 proposed, viz., that of care and treatment. It is beUeved to be no 

 uncommon thing among our farmers, in the busy season of the year 

 in particular, to postpone the " milking time " till almost night, so 

 that the men having this duty in charge may be enabled to do their 

 day's work in the field, and then, as a matter of course, milk the 

 cows. Now all hands must take part in this, so as to despatch as 

 rapidly as possible this closing job of the day. And who doubts that 

 this, done after a bard day's woi'k in the heat of summer, with ex- 

 hausted body, coupled with the certainty of a late supper ; with the 

 hurried manner of driving the cows from pasture, the impatience of 

 the men, and consequent harsh treatment of the cattle, the udder 

 but two-thirds emptied of its contents, and in fact the whole work, 

 in some way or other, imperfectly done, — who doubts that it is a mis- 

 take in management that must prove decidedly prejudicial in its 

 results? A stock of cows, on the other hand, should be tended by 

 the same help daily — and, when it can be done by one man, never 

 allow more to take a part in it — and tended in such a way that a 

 feeling of perfect confidence and affection will be cultivated by them 

 for their keeper, which tender and gentle treatment will be sure to 

 beget. 



As to the manner of feeding, and particularly in the winter, it is 

 believed that much harm results, either from over or under feeding, 

 and feeding at irregular and improper times. A stocV of cows should 

 be fed but three times in the twenty-four hours, and at just the same 

 hour each feed. And, instead of crowding before them as much as 

 they can comfortably dispose of, or more, feed a little sparingly, so 

 that the crib will be entirely emptied within the hour ; and, if by 

 chance a little is left, be sure and have it removed, and the crib 

 swept entirely clean. 



Care should always be taken to furnish an ample supply of pure 

 water, say, at least, three times each day, the last watering to be as 

 late as eight o'clock in the evening, at which time they will partake 

 more freely than at any other. It is also advised, that provision be 

 made for watering in the barn, instead of, at any time in the winter, 

 being obliged to have them exposed to the storms and cold without. 

 It is believed, that by furnishing a supply of water thus to a stock of 

 cows in milk, the quantity, by this alone, will be increased from 

 15 to 20 per cent, above what it would be by the usual mode of 

 treatment. 



