No. 4.] DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 209 



REPOET OF COMMITTEE ON DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND 



SANITATION. 



[Read and accepted at the Annual Meeting, Jan. 13, 1904.] 



Your ' committee would report that it is its opinion that 

 the condition of the buildings on farms, both dwellings and 

 barns and other outbuildings, has greatly improved over that 

 of a few years ago. This is due to the attention of the 

 tarmers being called to the fact that such improvement is a 

 necessity, in consideration of the health of their own fami- 

 lies. Another factor has been that those engaged in the retail 

 milk business found that it was for their advantage in a pecun- 

 iary way to have the most improved sanitary arrangements 

 in their barns. , 



Your committee is of the opinion that educational work 

 should be done to secure more humane treatment of stock, 

 so that every owner of domestic animals may not only feel 

 his obligation to the dumb beasts under his care, but may 

 also understand how greatly the welfare of his flocks depends 

 upon his kindness and protecting care. It is necessary to 

 provide comfortable quarters in winter, well lighted and well 

 ventilated, and a suitable amount of exercise is indispensa- 

 ble. There should be an abundance of good feed and clean 

 water, and all the salt desired by the animals. Care should 

 be more systematic than is common, mangers should be kept 

 clean, and feeding time should not vary more than a few 

 minutes. The farmer ought to treat his cow and speak of 

 her as if she were a lady, and if he does, will surely see the 

 results in better pecuniary returns. No animal is more 

 worthy of kind treatment than the horse, and yet of all 

 domestic animals none is more shamefully abused. Often 

 after drawing a heavy load for many miles he is compelled 



