66 DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



trivances mentioned. A good and cheap stanchion is con- 

 structed as follows : 



" The sills of the stanchions are of oak joist, six by two 

 inches; the top timbers are of hemlock, of the same dimen- 

 sions ; the stanchions of ash, one and a half by four inches ; 

 one of each set of stanchions is pinned between the sills and 

 the corresponding top pieces. From the bottom of the sills to 

 the top of the stanchions is five and a half feet. The slip stan- 

 chions are of the same size and material as the first named, 

 but only pinned at the bottom, which allows of their sliding 

 back at the top about sixteen inches, to admit the animal's 

 head ; it is then pushed to an upright position and fastened at 

 tlie top by a drop-button or clapper, which is much more 

 secure than when fastened by pins. 



" For oxen and large cows, there is allowed a space for each 

 of three and a half feet ; for younger cattle about three feet to 

 each. We have frequently seen the sill and top piece for stan- 

 chions made of solid timber, and mortices made for the stan- 

 chions. But there is much labor required in morticing, espe- 

 cially the top timber, so as to allow of the sliding back and for- 

 ward of the slip stanchions. The kind we have attempted to de- 

 scribe can be readily and cheaply made by almost any farmer."* 



2. Feeding. While confined to the barn or cow-house and 

 barn-yard, during the cold season, cattle should be fed with 

 the utmost regularity ; and a sufficient quantity of nutritious 

 food supplied to keep them in good condition. In this country, 

 hay is the principal common food of our oxen and cows. Roots 

 are too seldom employed in ordinary feeding ; and we have no 

 doubt but that the health and, consequently, the condition and 

 value of our cattle would be improved by giving them more 

 turnips, beets, carrots, parsneps, etc., during the winter. 



An English writer says: " Supposing a cow to calve early in 

 April or May, there is no keeping to be compared with a sweet 

 pasture for affording the best flavored milk and butter ; therefore, 



* Country Gentleman. 



