OF STRAW, ITS VALUE, AND USES. 389 



more, especially on the price of hay saved, and the value 

 of those crops which farm-yard dung produces. A ques- 

 tion, on the whole, more difficult to answer, could not well 

 be put. The subject, however, will be better understood, 

 by considering, l.The specific properties of the different 

 kinds of straw, employed in feeding stock ; and, 2. The 

 rules that ought to be observed when stock are fed with 

 that material. 



Properties of the different Kinds of Straw for feeding Stock. 



1. Wheat-straw. This kind of straw, from its strength, 13 

 considered to be peculiarly calculated both for litter and 

 thatching; and indeed, wherever the practice of cutting 

 straw into chaff, for mixing with corn for horses, prevails, 

 wheat-straw is preferred. When given to cattle or hor- 

 ses, it is sometimes cut into chaff in Scotland, and either 

 given raw in that state, or, what is greatly preferred, 

 steamed with other food, in particular with potatoes. Mr 

 Curwen is of opinion, that a moderate quantity of straw, 

 thus given to cattle, contributes much to the health, both 

 of feeding and working cattle. Straw induces them to 

 eat turnips, by cleaning their teeth, and keeps their bow- 

 els in proper order. 



In order to improve wheat-straw as fodder, it is said to 

 be a practice, in some parts of England, to cut the grain, 

 rather greener than in Scotland, which preserves more of 

 the natural juices, and consequently makes the fodder bet- 

 ter. Mr Young informs me, that some of the best farmers 



addition of hay or green food, will scarcely keep cattle alive. In Ber- 

 wickshire, the expence of wintering with straw, and some turnips, is 

 about 30 shillings. 



