792 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



thoroughly accustomed to the change, then increase each animal's 

 rations to all it will eat with good relish. 



"Our feed for fattening cattle is principally corn or corn- 

 meal, with a little bran. I am a thorough believer in the 

 efficacy of corn as a fat-producer. We always feed twice each 

 day, as near the same time, morning and evening, as possible. 

 Hay is fed in such quantities as will be eaten clean and with 

 a relish, twice each day, and soon after the morning or evening 

 meal. Have always practiced watering but once a day while 

 the cattle are kept in the stable. If the weather is not too in- 

 clement, the cattle are turned out in a lot adjoining the stable, 

 for two or three hours each day, and they are supplied with 

 plenty of water freshly pumped. The same rules are followed 

 as in feeding. They are always watered about, or just after the 

 middle of the day, after the cattle have had ample time to 

 digest the morning meal. After an experience of several years 

 with the various grasses and corn-fodder, I think a mixture of 

 three-fourths clover, and one-fourth timothy, gives the best 

 results, for the expense in producing it, of any roughness that 

 can be given. 



" I have tried various plans of fastening cattle, and for animals 

 that weigh under one thousand pounds, prefer the stanchion, but 

 heavier cattle do much better to be tied around the neck or head, 

 in order to have more freedom in lying down and getting up; 

 and it is a fact beyond dispute, that cattle will be much better 

 satisfied tied around the neck than around the head. 



" Cattle should be fed at least twelve or fourteen weeks for 

 profit and by actual test, I have always found them to make 

 the greatest gain the last three or four weeks of feeding. An 

 animal in good flesh will gain much faster than one in thin flesh. 



" There is no rule that can be laid down as to when is the 

 best time to dispose of fat cattle, but when they are thoroughly 

 ripe for the butcher, and the price is such that there will be a 

 fair profit for the outlay, is a very good time to sell. 



"A few thoughts as to the proper time to purchase cattle 

 for stall feeding. If intended to be turned to the butcher 

 from the stable, I have always practiced buying about, or just 



