1030 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK XIL 



niany districts, even in the Fens where excessively large crops of straw 

 are grown, as it is found more economical and profitable to chaff' the 

 straw and slice the roots ; there is also the advantage that choking is 

 almost impossible, whereas when the roots are given whole it is not 

 very rare. In the North of Scotland, however, most of the great 

 feeders who send up large consignments of stock to the Smithfield 

 Market, continue to feed long straw and hay to their fattening cattle, 

 and roots as a rule are not sliced. Those beasts which are approaching 

 the period of readiness for fattening off, say within three to four months 

 from now, should have feeds of oil-cake or other good artificial food, to 

 the weight of from two to six pounds daily ; the weight being gradually 

 increased as they increase in bulk and fatten. White turnips sown 

 in May are the first true roots to come in, and these are followed by 

 the yellow, but swedes are best not fed in the yards so early as 

 this month. Cabbages are generally considered superior to " roots," 

 and are now more often grown as autumn feed. They are undoubtedly 

 the best succulent crop, and as they are well adapted for growing on 

 heavy land, it would be well if more were grown for consumption in the 

 yards between now and Christmas. Surplus potatoes not diseased 

 may be given in the place of other roots, but they are too expensive 

 to grow with the sole intention of feeding to stock. Parsnips and 

 carrots are rich and nutritious ; but, as they keep well, they should be 

 eaten in winter rather than in autumn. 



Fattening Cattle. Push steadily forward the fattening of beasts set 

 aside to be exhibited or sold at the Christmas fat cattle shows, by 

 careful attention to the kind and quality of their food, the regular 

 times at which it is given them, the general condition of their health, 

 and the cleanliness of all connected with them. Do not disturb them 

 oftener than is necessary. See to the quality of the water, which 

 is of primary importance in good feeding. The eye is not a perfect 

 judge of the quality, as the clearest-looking water is not always the 

 purest ; if there are doubts as to its purity, it will pay to have it 

 analysed ; and if good, supply it ad libitum, for the animals will take 

 no more than they wish for. The allowance of oil-cake must be 

 increased gradually as the beasts fatten; and it will best be given 

 mixed with 'sliced roots and cut straw. For the beasts less advanced, 

 feed on the food recommended by Mr. Jonas Webb (see Text), and 

 with only a moderate allowance of oil-cake, for which some of the meal 

 of home-grown produce may be substituted or added. An occasional 

 change of food is advisable, but it should not be of too opposite a nature 

 to that which the animals have been receiving, or they are liable to be 

 temporarily upset. On no account substitute partially ripened roots 

 for mature ones. 



NOVEMBER. 



Young Stock. As this month is the beginning of what may be called 

 the severe and trying months of the year for live stock of all kinds, 

 take up young stock from outlying pasture fields and house them at 

 the steading. The younger the stock the more need there is of warmth, 



