DISEASES OF CATTLE 63 



tented. Manure is worth more as all the liquid is absorbed by the 

 bedding and the whole is thoroughly mixed together. The manure 

 has to be handled but once and that may be done at any time most 

 convenient and when no injury is done the land by tramping. 



8. From my point of view and experience the chief advantages 

 are: Freedom and ease for the cows in getting up and lying down 

 without having to do so in cramped quarters, the saving of labor in 

 bedding and cleaning stables besides avoiding the necessity of hitch- 

 ing up and hauling out the manure every day. We have a large 

 watering tank which is fed by an underground pipe and from the 

 windmill pump. The tank is incased on the sides and ends with saw- 

 dust space and a cover is used in very cold weather when the wind- 

 mill is not running, which keeps the water from freezing. I have 

 seen cows go to the tank at nine or ten o'clock at night and drink 

 heartily and then lie down. This will be done more frequently than 

 we have any idea unless we watch. It is this freedom to supply any 

 want, with comfort and kindly handling that increases the produc- 

 tion and I think makes better milk. 



We have a lot adjoining the shed where the cows are allowed to 

 pass out as they wish in pleasant weather to enjoy a sun bath for a 

 few hours. We use the same lot for the cows at night in summer 

 where they may lie and enjoy the cooler air, or if they wish they can 

 crop a little grass in the pasture adjoining. 



I know of no way we can save so much manure. Straw with 

 us is abundant and can be used in this way to add to the comfort of 

 our live stock as well as the fertility and better condition of the soil. 

 I venture to predict that the time will come when many of our best 

 farmers will care for their cattle in covered sheds. 



9. I consider the chief advantages to be: the sanitary condition 

 of the milking stable, the saving of labor in the more economical 

 handling of manure and feeding of roughage, and, most important, 

 the health of the herd. 



10. The advantages of this system are that it saves labor in 

 watering stock and in stable cleaning; the manure can be hauled out 

 at any time or it can be left until needed without waste. The shed is 

 a good place to feed fodder corn or sheaf oats, as the pigs get the 

 shatterings and the refuse may be used for bedding. What long 

 stalks are thrown out of racks have never been noticed in the ma- 

 nure. A water tank with good float valve affords the cows access to 

 water at all times, and the shed is a good place for the cows during the 

 first cold rains in fall. 



11. By this method we have cleaner cows and increased milk 

 flow; we save labor in cleaning stables, and in hauling out manure; 

 and the fertility in the manure is preserved more completely. 



12. I consider that the chief advantages are, saving of labor in 

 feeding and in double handling of manure; freedom from weather 

 exposure, thus keeping coats dry; giving exercise, which prevents 

 restlessness; and keeping cows and milking stable clean. 



13. I consider the chief advantages to be the comfort and clean- 

 liness of the herd and the saving of labor. 



