334 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



hurried manner of driving the cows from pasture, the im- 

 patience of the men, and consequent harsh treatment of the 

 cattle, the udder but two-thirds emptied of its contents, and in 

 fact, tlie whole work, in some way or other, imperfectly done ; 

 who doubts that it is a mistake in management that must prove 

 decidedly prejudicial in its results ? A stock of cows, on the 

 other hand, sliould be tended by the same help, daily — and, 

 when it can be done by one man, never allow more to take part 

 in it — and tended in such a way that a feeling of perfect con- 

 fidence 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 stock 

 of cows should be fed but three times in the twenty-four hours, 

 and at just the same hour each feed. And, instead of crowd- 

 ing 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 water- 

 ing 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, in- 

 stead 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 fifteen to twenty 

 per cent, above what it would be by the usual mode of treat- 

 ment. 



One other important point to notice, is the necessity of keep- 

 ing cattle in a warm, but well-ventilated ;barn. Your commit- 

 tee are satisfied, by their own observation and experience, that 

 from December to April there is great gain, both in yield of 

 milk and flesh, by keeping a stock of milch cows tied up in the 

 barn at least five days in seven, and that one hour of out-door 

 exercise, in each of the two days, is all that sliould be allowed 

 them. So that it may be safely stated, allowing all other 



