SECRETARY'S REPORT. 43 



economical mode of feeding. Calculations have been made of 

 the ratio between the weight of the animal and the amount of 

 food required, which, although having the appearance of accu- 

 racy, must be modified by circumstances connected with the 

 condition of the animal, and the care which it receives. It is 

 acknowledged, that warmth, quiet, and comfort are essential 

 to economical feeding ; and we should not lose sight, therefore, 

 in making our calculations, of the skill of the feeder, the tem- 

 perature of the climate, and the protection afforded the animal. 

 There is one rule, which, every judicious, observing and intelli- 

 gent farmer can observe with safety ; and that is, to feed 

 enough of whatever is given, to keep cattle in thriving condition, 

 taking care to keep them warm, clean, free from vermin, and 

 giving them their food regularly and in fixed quantities. 



Of the more artificial modes of feeding, it may be proper to 

 make some comparative estimates ; we refer especially to 

 soiling' and steaming-. 



SOILING. 



We submit the following estimate of the comparative expense 

 of soiling and pasturing twenty cows, from June 1st to November 

 15th — five and one-half months. 



In making this estimate, we have taken seventeen acres of 

 land — the amount specified for this purpose by the advocates 

 of soiling. We have considered, that land, in condition to 

 support these cattle, would yield two tons of hay to the acre. 

 We have estimated the price of pasture land at the average 

 rates for good land of this description, and have allowed four 

 acres of this land for the support of each cow. We have 

 endeavored to take the usual expense of a man per month, 

 inckiding his board ; and have allowed for the manure, all 

 that is claimed for it. We consider that a good pasture will 

 support cattle properly ; and have omitted all comparisons of 

 the health of animals confined and at large in the summer 

 season, and of the quality of the milk yielded under the 

 different circumstances. We have estimated the cost of pas- 

 turing rather above the average, and have charged no expense 

 of litter, ttc, against soiling. 



Land required for soiling 20 cows from June 1st to November 

 loth, 5} months, 17 acres. 



