I 12 



meant only as windbreaks, but into which the cows will 

 go directly from the stable without exposure, in stormy 

 weather. 



Have running water under one shed and salt under the 

 other, to which access is to be had whenever the cow so 

 desires. Keep these sheds well littered with coarse hay and 

 straw, where the cow may lie down to chew her cud in con- 

 tentment. 



If running water is impracticable, a wind-mill and tank 

 should supply its place. The custom of a stream of water 

 running through the cribs we do not deem the most healthy 

 and judicious method, it is open to serious objections. An 

 abundant supply of pure water is one of the most essential 

 elements in a well regulated dairy. Success lies only in 

 the way where absolute cleanliness abides. 



Feeding. — While a cow runs to pasture she can select 

 such food as nature requires and best suits her taste, but 

 when brought to the stable, must needs take such as is 

 placed before her. By nature she is a ruminating animal 

 and naturally subsists upon coarse kinds of herbage found 

 in the field, which needs to be ground over a second time. 

 The more the food is chewed the more saliva is mingled 

 with it to aid its digestion. But where she is fed largeljr 

 on ensilage, brewers sprouts, soft mashes, cotton seed meal 

 and sometimes streamed food, the same amount of rumina- 

 tion is not required, is not carried on, and less amount 

 of saliva is produced to mingle with the food, and it is not 

 properly prepared for the digestive organs. The food 

 ferments instead and the excreta becomes loose and foamy. 

 These kinds of food may be cheap, stimulating, and cause 

 a great flow of milk, but we believe injurious to the general 

 health of the animal. 



We believe more roots, more good sweet hay, and un- 

 fermented corn fodder would conduce to the usefulness 

 and general sound health of the cows. The judicious and 



