FEEDING METHODS. 385 



constantly coming in to cause slight variations, 

 which must be met by constant and unflagging 

 watchfulness on the part of the feeder. Com- 

 binations of good hays, clover,, timothy, mea- 

 dow fescue, mixed meadow hay, etc., with 

 chopped oats, wheat bran, or middlings, corn 

 in meal or crushed, never fail, if judiciously 

 mixed, to give excellent results. These are the 

 staples of good feeding. Good results may be 

 obtained from soiling and the use of oil-cakes 

 and meals in special cases, but I am strongly 

 of the opinion that year in and year out the 

 simplest diet is the' best. The general use of 

 all condimental foods I am especially inclined 

 to condemn. They are not needed with sound, 

 healthful breeding-cattle. Where they are 

 needed the best way to meet the case is by 

 sending the beast to the block. Cattle which 

 require to be kept up by stimulants are not fit 

 to breed from, and the sooner they cease to 

 perpetuate their feeble race the better. 



Of course, where special circumstances inter- 

 vene, special means must be resorted to. Ex- 

 traordinary show-yard condition can only be 

 attained by resorting to special methods of 

 feeding. Here, no doubt, all the appliances of 

 forcing may be used with propriety, provided 

 it be first decided that the end in view justifies 

 the extraordinary strain on the animals' sys- 

 tems. But in general all that is really to be 



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