452 POINTS IN cows. 



advisable to reduce the bag in the middle of the day ; but some 

 judgment is necessary in putting this into practice, as too great 

 eagerness in relieving the bag may have an injurious effect by 

 weakening the power of retention. Before and during the time of 

 milking the cow should have some good hay or meal. It is bene- 

 ficial in two ways : it is a wholesome stay to the stomach ; it en- 

 grosses the attention of the animal and keeps it quiet during the 

 operation ; it helps to sustain the stomach of a large yielder, 

 drained by the flow of milk, and needing extra sustenance for the 

 growth of the unborn calf. This should be done even during pas- 

 ture-time, say a quart of good bran at each milking ; and if fed to 

 them under a shed in the field, where they could be fastened in 

 stanchions, it saves all necessity for driving the cows, it keeps them 

 quiet, and saves the time and temper of the milkers in fly-time, and 

 surely increases the yield and easy flow. 



The hands should be dry and clean ; wet hands chap the teats 

 in cold weather, and want of cleanliness produces warts. The last 

 milk withdrawn is richer for the production of butter — one pint 

 than two quarts of milk first drawn off. Imperfect milking will 

 also dry the cow much earlier than if properly milked, and tend to 

 decrease the quantity. A few days prior to calving, should the 

 bag be much distended, it should be thoroughly relieved. 



Whatever may be the cause of the restlessness of the cow during 

 milking, gentleness is the only treatment that should be allowed. A 

 young animal never forgets ill-treatment, and will withhold her milk. 



We have thus endeavored to gather the experience of those who 

 have made the nature and management of cows a lifelong study ; 

 and if we have presented nothing new to experienced farmers, 

 our object will be gained if they will only put into practice what 

 they know already, and not treat cows with indifferent care, and 

 expect the same rich returns from their investment as if they were 

 properly cared for. - Remember that all nature is alike, subject to 

 the same natural laws, and none of these can be violated without 

 paying a penalty. Get a good cow of the best breed for your pur- 

 pose ; not only select it with care, but keep it in good condition for 

 profit, and in the long run it will pay you better than if neglected. 

 We have a subject not only of great interest to all of us, but as 

 much might be properly said upon each one of the topics treated 

 as has been said upon them all combined. 



POINTS IN cows. 



Points in stock are the badges of purity. What are known as 

 *' points" are certain conformations, outlines of shapes and marks 



