412 



the impure air will poison the blood, the warmth will re- 

 lax the skiu, dry it and open the pores, and the sligh test 

 draft will cause a fit of shivering and induce dangerous 

 colds. It is in precisely such houses that sore throats, 

 diphtheria, scarlet fever and other diseases are so frequent; 

 w^iile in the house where the windows are thrown open 

 to the breezes, and the cold, brisk, pure air is welcomed, 

 and exercise and health give warmth, fed by the abun- 

 dant oxygen of the fresh air coursing through the blood, 

 there is health and vigor and comfort. It is the same in 

 the dairy. Pleuro-pneumonia invades those herds which 

 are kept in close, warm, unwholesome stables, and the 

 dreaded tuberculosis finds there its prey; while from 

 the wide airy stable, well ventilated and filled with pure 

 cool air, the well fed cows will emerge to frolic in the 

 snow and enjoy the bright sunshine and the crisp air. 

 Excepting in stormy weather, the cows should spend at 

 least three or four hours every day in the yard. 



To preserve a healthful condition, maintain the vital 

 warmth, and keep the skin in proper action, thorough 

 carding and brushing should not be neglected in a winter 

 dairy, and the utmost cleanliness in every respect should 

 be observed. Abundant supplies of absorbents, of which 

 dried swamp muck is the best, and hard wood sawdust 

 and fresh leaves next, and in place of these cut straw or 

 any other fine waste material, should be procured. The 

 winter dairy affords a graud opportunity for making 

 manure. 



The feeding must be liberal and of the best food. It 

 must be regular in quality, quantity, and time. The 

 drinking water should always be warmed sufficiently to 

 take off the chill. Giving the cows ice-cold water will 

 diminish the airgregate butter yield several pounds a week. 



The management of the milk and cream in a winter 

 dairy is the most critical part of the business. The ever- 

 varying temperature has to be guarded against and regu- 



