THE SOILING SYSTEM 251 



small areas in order to utilize it to the best advantage. The 

 initial cost of fences is considerable, and in addition they re- 

 quire almost continual repairs. In addition, the land near the 

 fence cannot be utilized, and it is only by additional labor 

 that unsightly weeds may be prevented from growing in this 

 strip. This expense for fences is largely eliminated by the 

 soiling system. In Germany, where the soiling system is al- 

 most universal, no fences at all are in use. Practically no 

 fences are used in Denmark, where the cows are not turned 

 loose on pasture, but are tethered out constantly. 



The third advantage is the better saving of the manure. 

 The value of barnyard manure to the fertility of the farm is 

 recognized in every successful farming region where anything 

 like a permanent system of agriculture has been established. 

 The actual value of the excreta passed by a cow in a year for 

 fertilizing purposes is about $30, if all is preserved. If the 

 animals are on pasture, nearly half of this will be dropped in 

 the pasture. In most cases a much greater value would be 

 realized from applying this fertilizer to other parts of the 

 farm more in need of improvement. When the cattle are kept 

 housed, as is usually done in soiling, the manure may be pre- 

 served and applied when most needed. On some farms this 

 is a point of great importance. 



Animals are kept in better condition, as a rule, where the 

 soiling system is followed than when they are pastured. This 

 results from a more regular feed supply, ample at all times to 

 allow of profitable production. The serious decline in milk 

 production, for example, experienced in midsummer by most 

 cow owners following the pasturing plan, is almost entirely 

 avoided. At the same time, the labor and expense of getting 

 these additional results must be taken into consideration. 



