STOCK. 175 



way only disturbed by the changes and manipulations necessary 

 for the happiness and comfort of the animal. 



If we were to look through the stables in our vicinity, how 

 many instances of cruel abuse would there be found. See a 

 stalwart man sit down beside a cow to draw the lacteal treasure ; 

 he takes hold of the teats with as little care as though they were 

 two sticks ; his calloused hands press hard upon a tender spot, 

 the cow kicks — nobody is hurt, and the creature has only 

 obeyed the impulse of nature and tried to rid herself of that 

 which is causing pain. Soothe her with kind words and gentle 

 strokes, and take hold with more care, and all will be well. 

 But no, she has roused a tiger : up springs the man, — the 

 heavy stool is used as a cudgel, and the cow is terribly mauled 

 and beaten ; stout cowhide boots are driven with great force 

 against her legs and thighs, and imprecations are hurled upon 

 the head of the devoted beast. All this time the cow is securely 

 tied, and cannot get away from her tormentor. He again sits 

 down to commence milking ; she is frightened, excited, and 

 trembling ; her eyes protrude, her nostrils are dilated, and she 

 groans with pain. Will you wonder that no milk is to be had ; 

 that she " holds it up " ? Will you blame her if she occasion- 

 ally directs a well-aimed blow at this gallant brave as he passes 

 her stall, or if, after such a heartless onset, she permits the 

 fountains of her milk to dry up, and her master to strip often 

 and long for a scanty recompense ? 



We can barely touch upon some points upon which there is 

 much to be said, and, although a great deal has been found out 

 that is valuable about cows, more may yet be learned by close 

 observation on our own part, and by reading the history of the 

 experiments of others. 



Let us have cows that will combine good size, good quantity 

 and quality of milk, and good condition. Let us not keep, year 

 after year, those that never give much milk, nor give " that 

 little long ; " but as soon as their poor qualities are known, turn 

 them for beef, and fill their places with thrifty, thorough cows 

 that will pay a round profit. 



A herd of well-selected and well-cared-for cows is a mine of 

 wealth to the farmer, as well as a source of laudable pride and 

 pleasure. On the contrary, a number of half-starved, ill-treated, 

 thriftless animals are a nuisance and a disgrace. 



