Of 6TRAW, ITS VALUE, AtfD USES. 4-03 



have an abundant supply of water, and, if possible, a per- 

 petual fountain at their command. The difference this 

 occasions in regard to thriving, has been found of the 

 greatest importance. 



Some farmers give the best straw to the young stock, 

 and the inferior sort to oxen. Others, however, reverse 

 this practice ; and it Is certain that the best straw, without 

 the addition of turnips, is but miserable food for oxen. 



It is disputed whether straw, where it is the chief food 

 for cattle, should be given sparingly, or in abundance. By 

 the advocates for the sparing system, it is maintained, that 

 cattle may be satiated with straw, if served with it in too 

 great plenty, and that they do better, when straw is regu- 

 larly dealt out to them, than in a plentiful year, when it i 

 thrown before them in profusion. On the other hand, it 

 is contended, that straw is not rich enough to produce sa- 

 tiety ;* hence, that though when it is given to cattle tied 

 p, it may be a good plan to give little at a time, yet 

 that straw -yard cattle must be otherwise treated; nor hate 

 any unfavourable consequences ensued, when straw is given 

 in great profusion to young cattle, in fold-yards. By 

 having abundance, they pick out the best, and leave 

 what they do not like for litter, f All that is necessary is, 

 to give them frequent supplies of fresh straw, and to pro- 

 portion the number of cattle in the yard, to the quantity 

 of straw to be used, so that the dung may be of the best 

 quality. More straw should be given when the weather 

 is wet, and less when dry.J 



The value of straw for feeding, must depend upon the 

 soil and climate. In regard to soil, straw from fertile land 



* Remark by Mr Anderson of Whiteburgh. 

 f Remark by Mr Bailey of Chillingham. 

 I Hints from Mr Anderson of Whiteburgh. 



