106 SKETCHES OF RURAL AFFAIRS. 



the taste ; but from it may likewise be made a variety 

 of dishes, of greater or less richness, according to the 

 ingredients added. Those useful substances, butter and 

 cheese, which are obtained from milk, are also looked 

 upon as necessaries of life, and are certainly among the 

 most agreeable articles of diet. 



Cows are of different breeds, which are generally dis- 

 tinguished from each other by the length of the horn. 

 Some of these breeds are very superior to others ; but, 

 in the choice of cows for any particular dairy, it is often 

 found best to select those that have been reared in the 

 immediate neighbourhood, or in pastures of very similar 

 kind ; for, if cows are taken from rich pastures and 

 brought to inferior land, they will not thrive or yield 

 according to the expectations of their owner. Small, 

 active cows will thrive, and keep in good condition on 

 poor land, while fine large cows would fall off daily. It 

 is of great importance, as it respects the quality of 

 milk, that cows should be of a peaceable and contented 

 disposition, not apt to break through fences, or to get 

 easily frightened. To make them docile they must be 

 gently treated, and frequently handled when young. 

 Rough usage, or hard driving of cows, is most mis- 

 chievous to them, and should be severely punished in 

 cow-boys or others that are found guilty of it. 



Whatever breed the cow is of, the same general di- 

 rections as to treatment may be given. The animal 

 should always have plenty of food, of a juicy as well as 

 nourishing kind ; otherwise a good supply of milk cannot 

 be expected. If the pastures are scanty but extensive, 

 a greater number of cows will be required to produce 

 the same quantity of milk which a small space of rich 

 herbage would yield from a few. Cows that wander in 

 the open pastures, and take exercise and food at their 

 own discretion, are seldom unhealthy or in need of me- 

 dicine. A healthy young cow well treated and well fed, 

 is often kept to old age, that is, for twelve or fourteen 

 years, without any symptoms of disease. 



