DISEASES OF CATTLE 65 



The walls of the stabling portion of the building are of 12 inch 

 solid concrete, but only 4% feet in height. There are two 8 feet 

 openings in the ends, protected by solid gates, and two four feet 

 openings on one side, protected likewise by solid gates. The floor is 

 of concrete and practically level, a slope to the drain being provided 

 should it be found necessary to wash off the floors. 



On the top of the outside wall are set 8x8 oak posts properly 

 placed for the support of the plates carrying the roof; and near the 

 corners anchor irons, with turnbuckles, are let into the concrete 

 wall and plates for properly securing the superstructure. The ordi- 

 nary roof construction is used for closing in the top. 



This, it will be observed allows an open space 3 feet 6 inches high 

 around the entire building, with the exception of that occupied by 

 the milking room. There are no blinds, sashes nor curtains to inter- 

 fere with the free circulation of air and perfect light is had in all 

 parts. 



There is a double row of racks built across the stable which di- 

 vides the room into two compartments 23x34 feet and 33x34 feet re- 

 spectively. In the 23x34 feet end is a watering trough and hydrant. 

 (Md. E. S. Kept.) 



The capacity of this stable is about twenty-five head of milch 

 cows. The management of these differs from that of cows in closed 

 stables. 



The cows are not tied, and are free to move about in the entire 

 enclosure. The racks are kept supplied with the coarse feed, en- 

 silage, roots, etc., to be consumed at their pleasure. Drinking water, 

 too, is accessible at all times. 



When ready for milking, all the cows are driven into the smaller 

 compartment and the gates closed. The door to the milking room is 

 opened and sufficient cows are allowed to pass in to fill the stalls. 

 These eat their grain and are milked. They are then let into the 

 larger compartment, and others enter. This is continued until all 

 are milked, when the center gates are opened and the free run of the 

 stable is given until the next milking time. 



It is anticipated that objections will be raised to the practice of 

 feeding grain at milking time, but as before stated it is not material 

 that the exact plan and method of feeding be followed so long as the 

 following points be observed, and these are regarded as vital. 



1. Air, light and changing temperatures must be supplied as 

 freely and unrestricted as outside conditions will furnish. 



2. Food should be plentifully supplied and accessible at all 

 times. 



3. Water should be always available. 



4. Cows should not be tied except in the milking room. 



The reasons for the first requirement have been previously 

 stated. 



Accessibility to food and water, constantly, smacks of Fletcher- 

 ism but it is recommended because it is a natural condition, and cows 

 do well as a result. Pasturage does not produce the largest milk re- 

 turns solely because of the palatability, succulence and character of 



