440 BISEASES OF CATTLE. 



potent forces now at work, which all tend to equalizing the markets, 

 will cease for even a single day. While legislation may aid in some 

 minor matters, the general law that supply and demand rule prices 

 remains inviolable. I know of but two means of successfully meeting 

 the sharp competition which is certain to continue, first, by making 

 products of a higher quality, and, second, by cheapening the cost of 

 production. 



While lack of space prevents more than a mere mention of the sub- 

 ject, I can not help but urge that our farmers and stockmen endeavor 

 to secure the very best machines possible for converting coarse feeds 

 into beef and dairy products. To have any other than the best cattle 

 obtainable for the specific purpose in view is to start handicapped in 

 what is sure to be a severe contest. 



In the other line of improvement there is also much opportunity for 

 careful study and the exercise of discretion and good judgment. The 

 farmer and stockman should have a clear knowledge and good under- 

 standing of the several different kinds of stock foods, their relative 

 values, and the combinations of those best suited for different animals 

 in different stages of growth and usefulness. With an earnest desire 

 to help the feeder in the study of the great problem which constantly 

 confronts him this chapter is written. 



SCIENCE AND STOCK-FEEDING. 



Fifty years ago those great lights in agricultural chemistry, Liebig, 

 of Germany, Boussingault, of France, and Lawes and Gilbert, of Eng- 

 land, began investigations of agricultural problems, many of which 

 were immediately helpful to agriculture and all tended to awaken an 

 interest in an art previously neglected by scientific investigators. Out 

 of this awakening grew the movement for a better knowledge of animal 

 nutrition, and how and by what means the products of our fields were 

 manufactured into flesh, milk, and other animal products. Germany 

 has led the world in founding agricultural-experiment stations, and to 

 German chemists and animal physiologists are we largely indebted for 

 what is known in this most important field. Though the investigations 

 began over a generation ago and have occupied the energies of many 

 eminent men, the records of whose observations fill hundreds of books, 

 so great is the subject that it now seems but fairly begun. Still, much 

 has been found that is of great importance and utility to the practical 

 stockman. 



THE GERMAN FEEDING TABLES. 



Mainly through the studies of the German investigators has come 

 the first attempt to place the great art of feeding on a scientific basis. 

 The various investigations in animal nutrition have been summarized 

 and set forth in the writings of Wolff and Kuehn, of Germany, and very 

 ably presented to English readers by Dr. Armsby in his " Manual of 



