CHAPTER III. 



OXTB ANIMALS. 



How TO Feed Them Economically. 



Now that we have considered our soil and its fertil- 

 ity, our plants, and how to feed them economically, 

 we will have a look at our animals. Then we shall 

 be better able to understand and appreciate the ad- 

 vantages of soiling. These are some of the princi- 

 pal lessons that the soiling system teaches. These 

 lessons were taught me by a force of circumstances 

 against which I fought desperately, and were 

 learned from the end backward. I have, therefore, 

 in this plea for soiling, reversed the order with the 

 hope of leading the reader itp to the subject from 

 the foundation. 



As the quantity and quality of the forage depends 

 upon the fertility of the soil, in like manner does 

 the condition of our farm stock depend upon the 

 quantity and quality of the food which the soil pro- 

 duces. 



The Cow as a Machine. 



A cow is but a machine for the production of beef, 

 milk, cheese, or butter. Sheep are but factories on 

 a small scale, for the production of wool or mutton. 

 The horse is but an engine for motive power, either 

 draught or speed. 

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