ITALY. 349 



I have alluded to the race of animals preferred here for fattening; 

 generally and constantly the Tyrolese are thought, beyond comparison, 

 better both for labor and slaughter in this region. The so-called Fel- 

 brini or Bellonisi are purchased, but relatively few, while the native 

 stock, Pugliese, stand lowest; without doubt there are reasons for this, 

 drawn from long experience. It is worthy of note that in general here, 

 in opposition to the usage of other parts of the province, neither in the 

 forage nor otherwise is the least particle of salt ever given to cattle; 

 that they are curried and cleansed of every kind of filth, and their coats 

 kept as lustrous as possible; that the stable is never entirely closed 

 even in winter, in the belief that a constant supply of fresh air'is indis- 

 pensable to the animals. It is remarked that they succeed better in 

 winter, as well in the quantity of flesh as in its flavor. 



The usual practice of speculators in this industry is to content them- 

 selves with the moderate result of four or five months of the above 

 treatment, the profits of the operation diminishing with a farther out- 

 lay ; there exists, however, a sort of ambition with certain individuals 

 to carry their products to the utmost perfection, even with lessened gain, 

 and this emulation has done much, doubtless, to maintain-the singular 

 reputation of the locality, clue in part also to the special quality of the 

 forage. This is generally asserted, though no explanation is found of 

 the superiority claimed. 



A report from the, intendant of one of the great proprietary families 

 of the region makes a higher estimate. After stating the methods prac- 

 ticed in his neighborhood (sometimes much the same as those mentioned 

 above) he continues : 



The animal to bo fattened should "be neither too young nor to old, say from six to 

 eight years ; his live weight at tbo moment of putting under treatment 'is commonly 

 from 1,100 to 1,320 pounds. In three months he is at half -flesh, but to put him in full 

 condition, after these three mouths on green food, three months more are necessary 

 on dry forage. 



During the three months of green feeding no dry forage is given ; 

 grass alone with tops and shucks of Indian corn, &c., and two daily 

 drafts of warm water, with 1 kilogram of oil-cako (2.2 pounds). After- 

 ward he receives about 33 pounds of dry forage divided into three 

 rations, changing the quality at each meal; the hay should be of the 

 first mowing; the oil-cake drafts to be continued with an addition of 

 17 J pounds of oil-cake. The shucks in these last three months should 

 be peeled and dried and given morning and evening, about 4 pounds at 

 a time. 



An animal well fattened gains an addition of about one-half his orig- 

 inal weight, attaining to from 1,G50 to 1,980 pounds ; the dead weight is 

 calculated at about 30 less. Attention should be paid to the habits and 

 temperament of the animal, perfect cleanliness of animal and stall, 

 abundance of litter, and constant ventilation, however cold the weather, 

 regular currying after each meal, and after the draft, fresh water to his 

 thirst. 



Differences of opinion exist among specialists in regard to the neces- 

 sity of salt as an element of diet; practically, it seems immaterial here, 

 owing, perhaps, to the nature of the forage, which in certain situations 

 is known to absorb a considerable quantity of salt in its growth. A 

 strong prejudice exists, among peasant breeders principally, against 

 currying the animals while in process of fattening, under the persuasion 

 that every disturbance of the cuticle interferes with their digestion, and 

 particularly with the formation of suet; the substitute being to brush 

 the back and head, around and between the horns, with a broom or 



