THE MANAGEMENT OP STOCK 279 



reason of the neglect that no financial recovery is possible. In 

 these districts live stock should play an important part. 



4916. It is found that wherever the areas of special crops 

 are restricted, and rotation and mixed husbandry are not 

 seriously disturbed, fair profits are realized every year, and the 

 average yields of grapes or hops per acre are much above the 

 average of the large plantations. Specialization is seen to have 

 a marked, deleterious effect on the youth of the districts where 

 it is practiced in a large way, and often on the productivity of 

 the soil as well. The introduction of domestic animals in con- 

 siderable numbers tends to change all this. Moreover, the ele- 

 vating effect of coming into immediate contact with animal life, 

 especially on the young, should be understood and prized. 



500a. A crop of 50 bushels of maize per acre, and the 

 accompanying stalks, contains about 64 pounds of nitrogen, 24 

 pounds of phosphoric acid and 36 pounds of potash. If, when 

 fed to animals, only one-half of the plant-food removed by the 

 crop is returned, then but 32 pounds of nitrogen, 12 pounds of 

 phosphoric acid, and 18 pounds of potash will be lost from each 

 acre. When clover is in the rotation, it will restore most of 

 this lost nitrogen. The plant precedes the animal. He who 

 has mastered the art of producing plants successfully has 

 learned more than half of agriculture. 



5006. Animals play such an important part in maintaining 

 the productivity of the land that he who farms without giving 

 them a prominent place should be able to furnish good reasons 

 for so doing. 



510rt. Remember that thoughtful care, solicitude, love for 

 the animal, and timely attention to the many details, play an 

 important part in animal industry. That which is gained by 

 superior breeding, food and comfortable buildings may be 

 partly lost if kindness is wanting. "Speak to the animals as 

 you should to a lady, kindly." 



