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On a comparison of this with the grazing account, it is apparent 

 that the dairy occupation is more profitable than grazing, for the 

 former amounts to 50s. per acre, whereas the latter is only 28s. 

 per acre. On account of population the dairy system ought also to 

 be preferred, as one grazing farm of 200 acres would afford a com- 

 fortable livelihood to four dairy families. 



I am aware, that should these observations induce an increase of 

 dairies, and consequently a more liberal supply of cheese, such a 

 declension in the price of that article might take place, as would 

 bring all things again on a level, and advance the grazier's profit 

 to an equality with that of the dairy man. 



Ee this as it may, I think dairies should be encouraged ; for the 

 arduous domestic labor and incessant employment which they bring 

 on the female part of a farmer's family, will always prevent an un- 

 due increase thereof, unless their profits on a comparison are very 

 great indeed. But whilst I thus recommend encouragement to the 

 pail, I must do it with this proviso, that a different mode of ma- 

 nagement be adopted from that now practised. 



The cows of this district are almost universally depastured in 

 the fields both summer and winter; in consequence of which the 

 dung produced even by a large dairy is trifling indeed ; hence 

 arises a manifest declension in the fertility of the land, and you 

 may distinguish a grazing from a dairy farm at a great distance. 

 In this exhausted state the dairy land must remain, unless a diffe- 

 rent system of management be successfully inculcated. Were I to 

 suggest a plan of improvement it would be the following : let all 

 dairy farms be accompanied with a due proportion of arable^ 

 perhaps a fourth part; let proper stalls and bartons be erected as a 

 residence for the cows during the winter months ; let cabbages, 

 turnips and potatoes be grown for their winter subsistence ; but 

 above all, let them be well littered and kept perfectly clean. By 

 these means a large supply of dung may be procured at a little ex- 

 pence ; and if the farmer wish to increase the quantity, he need 

 only dig up the waste earth on the borders of the highways, and 

 make a layer therewith in his bartons ; this will absorb the urine, 

 and when mixed and incorporated with the dung, will constitute a 

 manure highly fertilising. It cannot be sufficiently regretted, that 

 this practice should be so seldom adopted., for repeated expert, 



merits 



