CHAP. ix. STOCKING LAND WITH CATTLE. 155 



already had a calf; and Mr. Honeybourne, the successor of Bakewell, 

 at Dishley, was of opinion that they are superior to oxen for fattening 

 at any age, and will uniformly produce a greater weight of beef per 

 acre. 1 Cows are, however, liable to diseases of the udder on some 

 land. Wintering heifers in-calf, in some grazing districts termed in- 

 calvers, may also be advantageously followed if attention is paid to 

 selection, and the beasts are well fed during the winter on rich succu- 

 lent crops. They are occasionally sold for small sums at the autumn 

 or Michaelmas fairs, and may be disposed of in the succeeding spring, 

 at considerable profit, with their calves running by their side. 



Free Martens, or sterile cows (see page 119), have been tried for the 

 purpose of fattening, but they rarely succeed. The same may be 

 observed with regard to very old cows. In some few instances they may 

 prove a source of profit, but the speculation is a hazardous one, and at 

 best they are much inferior to young or middle-aged stock in point 

 of kindliness to fatten. Such cows have been found to fatten more 

 readily after they have taken the bull than when barren. Indeed, 

 it is a common practice with graziers to run a bull with their fattening 

 heifers and cows, because when bulled they are quieter and fatten 

 more quickly. 



In stocking lands, the proportion of beasts must depend upon the 

 fertility of the soil, and it will generally be found that local custom 

 will afford the surest guide. In the counties of Somerset and Devon 

 one acre or one acre and a half of the better kind of land is allotted 

 to one ox, to which a sheep is sometimes added. The best grazing 

 land in Lincolnshire, we are told, will, under favourable circumstances, 

 support an ox and a sheep per acre during the whole summer ; and 

 the former will gain 20 stones, or 280 lb., and the latter 10 Ib. a 

 quarter, or 40 lb. 



In order to graze cattle to advantage, it is well to change them 

 from one pasture to another, beginning with the inferior ones and 

 gradually removing into the best. By this expedient, as cattle delight 

 in variety, they will cull the choicest part of the grass ; and by filling 

 themselves quickly, as well as by tying down frequently, will rapidly 

 advance towards a proper state of fatness, while the grass that is 

 left may be fed off with store cattle, and lastly, with sheep. Hence 

 it will be advisable to have several inclosures, well fenced and shel- 

 tered, and abundantly supplied with wholesome water. Respecting 

 the best size for such inclosures, or divisions of land, there is a 

 difference of opinion. The size of individual fields is not of much 

 consequence, so far as the cattle are concerned. Too many fences, 

 however, are costly and inconvenient, and of no benefit, save perhaps 

 as shelter. It is an advantage to have all pastures well bared off 

 once a year at least. 



Before we proceed to discuss the other circumstances connected 

 with the grazing of cattle, it will not be altogether irrelevant to state 

 a few particulars concerning the peculiar practice or management of 

 some of the most eminent graziers. 



1 See the "Agricultural Survey of Leicester," p. 232. 



