35 



rately than when mixed with such bulky materials as wheat bran or 

 linseed meal. If an animal is actually in need of a purgative or a 

 stomach tonic, is it not economy to purchase a pound of Epsom 

 salts for five cents or a pound of gentian for twenty-five cents 

 rather than pay three dollars for twenty pounds of some mixture in 

 order to secure the desired medicines ? It is not believed that med- 

 icines are needed in order to promote egg production, but rather 

 warm, well ventilated, sunny houses, plenty of exercise, and in addi- 

 tion to the ordinary grains a liberal allowance of meat scraps and 

 green vegetables. Is it not cheaper for the poultry raiser to buy 

 salt, oyster shells, charcoal and meat scraps by themselves rather 

 than pay ten or twenty cents a pound for them in the form of a 

 "celebrated " poultry food ? 



The writer does not believe in giving medicine to animals unless 

 there is positive evidence that it is needed. Well animals are better 

 off without it, and sick ones should be treated for the specific trouble 

 with which they are affected, or consigned to the shambles.* 



If one will read the circulars issued by many nian- 

 Manufactur- ufacturers he will be surprised at the claims made 

 ers' claims, for these foods. It is stated that they will prevent 



and cure diseases, promote 'perfect digestion and 

 assimilation, induce rapid growth, and fattening, increase the quan- 

 tity and improve the quality of the milk, cause a large increase in 

 egg production, and make beautiful plumage. The following is 

 quoted from a circular: "This superior medicated food removes all 

 taints of disease from milk, and makes it a more perfect food ; it 

 will increase the supply of rich milk, keep the hair smooth, the skin 

 healthy " etc. To accomplish this and other wonderful things the 

 circular states " the average feed (for each cow) is one and one-fourth 

 pounds a month (or two-thirds ounce each day)". Such a food was 

 composed principally of wheat offal, a small quantity of cottonseed 

 meal, and some salt, pepper and charcoal. It is unnecessary to dwell 

 further upon the ridiculous character of these claims. " For the pro- 

 moters of such mixtures to claim that they have any knowledge of 

 compounds and compounding not common to veterinary medicine, is 

 charlatanism in its most offensive form." 



*If it seems evident that a general tonic is needed Bartlett recommends the following: 

 IHilverized gentian, one pound ; pulverized ginger, one-fourth pound ; pulverized saltpetre, 

 one-fourtli pound ; pulverized iron sulfate, one-half pound. Mix and give one tablespoonful 

 in the feed once a day for ten days, omit for three days, then give ten days more. Cost of 

 the above twenty cents a pound. 



