106 ANIMALS AND THEIR PRODUCTS. 



into plants, it is thus furnished, in minute portions, to 

 domestic animals. But all experience has shown that 

 they require more salt than is thus furnished. This is 

 indicated by the intense hankering they manifest, when 

 long deprived of it. How much they need, beyond 

 that naturally contained in their food, no one has been 

 able to decide. The animals themselves know best, 

 and it should therefore be left to their own choice. 

 If not deprived of it too long, they will always eat 

 just as much as is for the interest of the owner that 

 they should ; and no precaution is necessary, except 

 that when a neglected animal is brought home, he 

 should not be admitted to a full supply at once. 



191. Some have supposed that cattle while being 

 fattened on hay and roots, especially on potatoes, 

 should be allowed to drink but little. Whether this 

 opinion is well founded, I very much doubt. In all 

 other cases, cattle and sheep should have water plenti-* 

 fully, and where they can get it without fear or dan- 

 ger. If possible, it should be pure fresh water; and 

 should be in the barn-yard. 



192. The foregoing remarks apply equally to all 

 kinds of stock. With regard to solid food, a difference 

 should be made, accordingly as animals are kept for 

 one or another purpose. As a general rule, the finest 

 and earliest cut hay should be given to milch cows — 

 those in milk at the time; — and they should have as 

 much as they will eat. Grood, substantial hay, not 

 late-cut, nor in the least smoky, should be given to 

 working cattle and horses. Dry cows may be turned 



