SHOULD BE SHELTERED IN WINTER. 156 



statement. Are not such facts as these worthy of at- 

 tention? Here it is shown by practical experience that 

 theory is correct; that when animals are unsheltered 

 and cold, they eat more and gain less, because so large 

 a portion of their food is used up in keeping them 

 warm. 



In the course of a very few years, such differences 

 as these, to a farmer who kept much stock, would save 

 the entire price of good, substantial sheds. The com- 

 fort and warmth of animals, should be a primary con- 

 sideration in the construction of sheds and stables of 

 every description. It is quite easy, by a little study, 

 to unite these important requisites with convenience, 

 and with economy of time in feeding. When build- 

 ings are well regulated in these respects, a man can 

 do much more work, and do it better, than where he 

 has to accomplish every thing at a disadvantage, as 

 is the case in too many establishments. From the re- 

 sults hitherto obtained by feeding in the dark, and in 

 close buildings, it would be well to try this system on 

 a large scale. Many persons partially adopt it by 

 using folding shutters, which render the light of day 

 quite dim and indistinct. Where many animals are 

 in the same building, care should be taken to ensure 

 good ventilation. 



SECTION III OF THE FORM IN WHICH FOOD IS TO BE 

 GIVEN. 



The state in which lood is given, has an important 

 bearing on the effect which it produces, in sustaining 

 or fattening the animal. I have already spoken of 

 cutting hay, straw, and stalks, and have explained the 

 advantages which result from the practice. On small 

 farms, all that is necessary may be cut by hand in an 

 hour at night and morning; and where the stock is 

 largfe, there is always, or ought to be, a horse power* 



