AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 2l3 



part of autumn, when every thing is dry and parched up by the 

 long summer heat. 



The meadows and pastures in northern Italy, particularly near 

 the base of the Alps, claim the preference. The Tuscans surpass 

 all the other nations in making and economizing manures, and 

 particularly those made from the refuse of animals and vegeta- 

 bles. I cannot dismiss this part of the subject without observing 

 that their mode of top-dressing old pastures and meadows is de- 

 serving all praise. The very droppings of the fowls are saved, 

 and the excrements of domestic animals and mineral manures all 

 play their part in fertilizing the lands. 



There is another feature in Italian grazing which maybe deemed 

 worthy of notice. At the close of summer the mulberry, olive, 

 elm and vine, are stripped of their leaves to make food for cattle. 



The Cytisusj the favorite fodder of the ancient herdsman, is 

 still in use. It blossoms about April and grows above four feet 

 in height, and is justly esteemed for its tendency to produce milk 

 in cows. The spray or small shoots, cut from the extreme 

 branches of trees in the north of Italy and dried in the sun or 

 shade, are stacked in bundles for winter's use. The cattle are as 

 fond of this kind of fodder as many of the grasses made into hay, 

 and more so than the straws of most of the cereals. 



The domestic animals reared on a small Italian farm, are a 

 yoke of oxen, a mule or two, an ass, a few goats, one or more 

 milch cow, and sometimes a small flock of slieep. As well the 

 Romans as the Italians have paid great attention to the rearing 

 of asses and mules. The present race to be found in the penin- 

 sula is distinguished for its courage, fidelity and sagacity. Many 

 of the terrible passes of the Alps and Apennines are crossed by 

 this sure footed animal and when left to its guidance the yawn- 

 ing abyss is avoided, but where the horse cannot be trusted. 



The course of sheep husbandry here takes quite a pastural 

 shape. Under the guidance of a shepherd they range the moun- 

 tains in spring and summer. Their keeper goes before them, and 

 his flock may be seen climbing and cropping their food from the 

 most rugged steeps. Each flock has its particular bounds and 

 one of its number that w^anders beyond- is soon brought back by 

 the faithful dog, whose natural endowments supply the want of 

 enclosures. His wonderful docility is shown in collecting strag- 

 glers and driving flocks over rivulets and through towns. 



The shepherd here passes an easy life amid the rude scenes of 

 nature. On the mountain he lies and almost sleeps in the open 



