150 THE OX AND THE DA1KY. 



slightly, and the peculiar odour of some plants which oxen 

 and cows are not fond of, being mixed with that of the more 

 fragrant, the whole is eaten without waste. Experience has 

 shown that many plants which cattle refuse in the field, 

 where they have a choice, possess nutritious qualities when 

 eaten mixed with others in the form of hay. There are few 

 deleterious plants in good grass land or water meadows, and 

 these are readily distinguished and weeded out. The 

 quantity and the quality of the dung of cattle stalled and 

 well fed is so remarkable, that its value makes a considerable 

 deduction from that of the food given, especially of green 

 food, such as clover, lucern, tares, and every kind of legu- 

 minous plant : we shall not be far wrong if we set it at one- 

 fourth. This supposes a sufficient quantity of straw for 

 litter, and a collection of the liquid parts, in proper reservoirs 

 or tanks. In order to make the feeding of cattle advan- 

 tageous, the buildings must be conveniently placed with 

 respect to the fields from which the food can be brought. 

 Moveable sheds with temporary yards, which can be erected 

 in different parts of a large farm, according as different fields 

 are in grass or roots, are a great saving of carriage, both in 

 bringing food to the cattle and carrying the dung on the 

 land. A clay bottom should be selected, in a dry and rather 

 high spot if possible. But if permanent buildings for cattle, 

 constructed of rough materials and thatched with straw, were 

 erected in the centre of about forty acres of arable land, in 

 different parts of a large farm, it would probably be a great 

 saving in the end." A due supply of water, and of rock-salt 

 to lick, are very essential, and a free use of the currycomb or 

 rough straw whisp is advantageous, both in point of cleanli- 

 ness and health. 



