250 THE ECONOMY OF 



" The next is strict regularity in the administration of 

 food — both as regards the slated quantity and the time of 

 supplying it. The periods may be regulated as the feeder 

 thinks proper ; but, whenever adopted, should never after- 

 wards be altered. Oxen are quiet animals, and those 

 which are fed in the house soon acquire a precise knowl- 

 edge of the exact hour at which food is usually given ; and 

 if that be transgressed, or the quantity be not furnish- 

 ed, they become restless ; but if the time and quantity be 

 strictly adhered to, they remain tranquil until the next 

 period arrives. If no disturbance takes place, they, in- 

 deed, generally lie down to ruminate, and nothing will be 

 found to forward the process of fattening more than this 

 perfect quietude ; wherefore, the stalls should not only 

 be well bedded, but light should be very much excluded, 

 the doors should be closed, all outward annoyances as far 

 as possible prevented — and, in short, every means should 

 be used to promote complete ease, rest, and contentment. 



" Some persons serve out food as often as five times a 

 day ; but the most prudent, and the better practice, is to 

 give it as soon as possible after day-light, at noon, and 

 some time before sunset. This enables the animals to 

 fill their bellies, and to have sufficient time for that quiet 

 digestion which is interrupted by too frequent feeding. 

 In stating that the quantity should be moderate, we how- 

 ever alluded merely to the not allowing the animal to have 

 so much as to cloy him ; he ought always to have as much 

 as he can fairly eat with a relish, but the moment he begins 

 to toss it about, it will be then evident that the keenness 

 of his appetite is satisfied, and it should be instantly re- 

 moved. 



" The last is thorough cleanliness. The ox-house 

 should be opened before day-light, and well cleansed, both 

 by pail and broom, from every impurity. After the ani- 

 mals have been satisfied with food, whatever may remain 

 should be instantly removed, and the cribs and mangers 

 should be swept out, and washed, if necessary ; water 

 should then be given without limitation.* If their hides 



* According to an experiment stated by Sir John Sinclair, an old 

 man was appointed to discover how often some cattle^ condumiug 



