458 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



a state of maturity, is, of course, the time at which it may 

 be relied upon for " soiling." A like reliance may be placed 

 on the time it will continue succulent. The general knowl- 

 edge of practical farmers and experience will easily give in- 

 formation on both points. 



If any article sown in the spring will come to maturity on 

 the 1st of July, and will continue succulent ten days, fifteen 

 square rods of succulent food will be wanted for each cow 

 " soiled;" one cow will, therefore, consume fifteen square rods 

 during that period, and ten cows will require one hundred and 

 sixty rods, or about an acre of such food for their support. 

 On this basis of calculation I have always found the number 

 of square rods to be sowed, for such a period of succulency of 

 the plant is sufficient for about such a period of feeding, viz. : 

 ten days. On this calculation I have safely " soiled " from 

 thirty to thirty-five head of cattle, adding one acre of prepara- 

 tion for every ten head. 



Should any one, however, adopt this practice for the first 

 time, I should advise the preparing two square rods for each 

 cow, to guard against every contingency to which a first at- 

 tempt may be liable. For nothing "will be lost, if the food 

 should prove more than was required. The surplus be- 

 comes a resource for the winter keeping, after it is too rank 

 for " soiling." 



2. As to the particular articles to be thus cultivated. I have 

 tried many besides those above-mentioned, such as millet, 

 lucerne, cabbages, peas, the tops of caiTots, beets or turnips. 

 Each may be usefully applied in its proper season, particularly 

 the three last. And whoever keeps milch cows, will find roots 

 an important auxiliary for milk in the winter season, and, of 

 course, will find their tops a like important aid to " soiling" 

 in the latter months of autumn. But I think it best to 

 enumerate only the fewest, the simplest, and the best known 

 to all farmers, of the articles, which, from experience, I have 

 found the surest, and the best to be relied upon for a successful 

 conduct of the system. These are those already enumerated ; 

 oats, barley and Indian corn, sown broadcast or in drills, for 

 fodder. 



3. The time in which the above articles are to be sown. 

 The usual period in this country for turning out cows to 



