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high for the consumer. It also too low for the farmer. The 

 reasons may be traced to his not rearing more stock — to the 

 waste of grass in the summer— of straw in the winter, and to 

 the purchase of foreign oil-cake and artificial manures. These 

 things I have repeatedly pointed out, and am convinced that, 

 by a methodical and economical use of native resources, every 

 farmer could afford to sell his fat cattle at one-fourth less than 

 the present price, and realise what is now seldom the case, a 

 clear profit. 



Of all subjects connected with agriculture, that of rearing 

 and fattening cattle is the first in importance ; for, the ma- 

 nure so obtained is the only means of keeping a farm in 

 high condition, being suitable to all soils, durable in effect, 

 and therefore cheaper than any other. — In order to obtain so 

 large an accession of cattle as I contemplate, more must be 

 more bred — fewer killed when young, and none allowed to live 

 till they are four or five years old. The fattening so maay calves 

 during the summer months is much to be deprecated, because 

 their original value for rearing is sunk in the low price of veal, 

 while their lives are required to keep down the price of lean 

 stock. If, then, it is an evil to kill them so young, it is equally 

 so to keep them after they have arrived at maturity, especially 

 when fattened to a degree that renders the greater part unfit 

 for the table. The Christmas cattle-shows exemplify the jus- 

 tice of this remark, being masses of fat manufactured for the 

 tallow-chandler, rather than of wholesome meat for the commu- 

 nity. In this way, many thousands of pounds are sunk and 

 much food destroyed every year. I calculate that many 

 of the animals lately exhibited at the Bazaar in London, 

 did not realise the cost of grazing by 30/., 40/., or 50/. each. 

 Could the system of rearing summer calves be generally 

 adopted, farmers would soon be in possession of cheap herds of 

 cattle. To any objections that might be made on account of 

 milk being wanted for cheese, and the inability of the calf to 

 withstand the approaching winter, I refer to the linseed-com- 

 pounds as excellent and economical substitutes for milk, and to 

 the boxes as an effectual protection against the inclemency of 

 the weather. From observation and a little experience, I am 

 led to conclude, that calves are brought up in summer at much 



