CONSTRUCTION OP A FARM-HOUSE AND OFFICES. 27 



can be kept in one place, yet observes, that few farmers can 

 have such expensive conveniences. Almost every farmer, 

 however, can have open sheds, and folds adjoining, with 

 mangers under the sheds, and close wooden hecks, or stand- 

 ing mangers in the folds, where from six to twelve steers or 

 queys can be kept together, and are at liberty to feed and 

 rest, either in the sheds, or the open parts, and although 

 the master cattle will eat where they chuse, the rest have so 

 many places to eat at that they are never at a loss. It is 

 found that cattle thrive best in this way. Those who are 

 so disposed, make exceedingly fat, and the slower feeders, 

 are always fitter to turn into the pasture in May, than when 

 tied up under either shed or byre. This mode of feeding, 

 therefore, is now generally adopted on both sides the Tweed. 

 If a very wicked mischievous beast happens to be amongst 

 the lot, it must be put by itself. It is to be observed, that 

 the steers and queys, are always kept in separate folds, and 

 are now universally made very fat when three years old. 



The proper arrangement of a stack-yard, is of more con- 

 sequence than is commonly imagined, and is capable of 

 much improvement.* It is a common practice, to begin 

 building the stacks at the corner opposite to the entering 

 gate from the farm, packing them as close as possible, by 

 which they are deprived of air, and if any of them should 

 shew a tendency to heat, it is extremely difficult to get 

 them turned over, or put into the threshing mill. Mr 

 Mitchell of Balquharn near Alloa, has arranged his stack- 

 yard on principles peculiarly well planned and judicious. 



* In the Berwickshire Report, p. 86, the rick-yard is directed to be 

 ploughed into twice-gathered ridges 21 feet broad. By this means, as the 

 ricks seldom exceed 12 feet diameter, there are 9 feet free between the 

 rows for air and carrying in sheaves. No allowance for heating, as a 

 good farmer has no heated stacks. 



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