692 



THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. 



BOOK VIII. 



steaming apparatus is not large enough to meet all requirements if the 

 whole of the animals are fed on steamed food, and something more 

 commodious has to be arranged. Mr. Harry Horrell, of Thorney, who 

 always keeps a large number of Shire horses as well as of cattle, has two 

 wooden bins eight feet three inches long, six feet six inches wide, and 

 five feet six inches high, which will make up 200 bushels each. The 

 steam is obtained from a stationary vertical engine near. He finds 

 that rough hay, cavings, or any other coarse food, may be made palatable 

 and useful feeding stuff. Mr. Horrell's remarks on the system are 

 worth notice, he says: "I like the steaming apparatus, especially for 

 young cattle. I find if you steam long enough they will do without 

 any roots, and certainly graze better in the spring for the reason that 

 if cattle have plently of roots in spring they will shoot their hair, and 



Fig. 230. Root-Washing Machine. 



then when turned out they are much more likely to take cold, whereas 

 if fed on steamed chaff they do not shed their coats." 



The washing of potatoes or roots may be convenient^ effected by 

 means of the machine illustrated in fig. 230, which consists of a 

 cylinder composed of open laths, placed in a trough filled with water, 

 and turned by a winch-handle. There is a small opening in the centre 

 for the admission of the roots, which are delivered at one end as the} r are 

 washed, and roll down the spout to the vessel placed to receive them. 



Pounds are found in almost every village, for the reception of 

 strayed or trespassing cattle ; but they are capable of being applied to 

 more useful purposes, and may be so arranged as to serve four or five 

 adjoining farms. In case of accidents to neat cattle, or when the latter 

 have to undergo any examination, pounds will be found advantageous 

 and much loss of time may frequently be prevented by their use. 



