340 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



of feeding or fattening such stock on the ground in 

 the fields, there is the almost insuperable objection 

 of the loss of so much rich and valuable manure 

 as must always be formed in such cases. Besides, 

 from the greater exposure, and other circumstances, 

 the cattle cannot possibly thrive so well. In some 

 cases of this practice, the cattle are at first only brought 

 to the stalls during the night, but afterwards constantly 

 tied up in them. 



Time of Beginning and Continuing the Practice. — It is 

 usual to be2;in this method of feeding about the time 

 when the pastures and aftermath grasses fall off in 

 their supplies of food , or are quite finished ; as to- 

 'wards the end of the first winter month, continuing 

 during the whole of the commencement of the practice 

 is, therefore, precisely when cattle can in general 

 be the most readily brought in and procured for the 

 purpose ; and the termination of it, that at which beef 

 usually brings the best price in the market, and the 

 stock, of course, sells the highest, which are advan- 

 tages in its favour of some importance to those en- 

 gaged in the business. 



Suitable Sheds, Stalls, and Yards, for the Purpose. — 

 The houses or buildings and stalls for this use, are, in 

 general, badly contrived in several respects, being in 

 common too much exposed in their nature and situ- 

 ations to cold winds and rains, wbich have a great deal 

 more effect in checking and retarding the thriving and 

 fattening processes than is usually supposed, as a due 

 degree of warmth may fairly be said to be as necessary 

 in these matters as that of the food which is consumed ; 

 for, in nearly the same degree as such effects of the 

 weather are prevented, will the cattle get forward and 

 become fat. Too little attention has been bestowed 

 upon the natural habits, constitutions, and disposiiions 



