cows THAT ARE JIILKED BY HAND I95 



and moderate rains, but from cold rains they should be 

 protected. These too much reduce the system, and in 

 proportion the milk yield is decreased. Exposure to 

 ])rolonged cold rains, such as sometimes occur in certain 

 climates after the season has arrived for pasturing, is 

 particularly adverse to milk production, and will cer- 

 tainly be followed by corresponding shrinkage in the 

 milk yields. At such times cows in milk should be fed 

 and kept indoors. 



Sunshine, so helpful to animals, becomes excessive 

 when it produces discomfort. Whatever produces dis- 

 comfort in the cow that is milked reduces proportion- 

 ately the milk yield. Instinctively the cow will seek 

 protection from sunshine when it becomes excessive, if 

 the opportunity offers. The opportunity should be fur- 

 nished. If not furnished by trees in the pasture, it may 

 be furnished by making a roof of poles supported by 

 posts and covered with old hay or straw. A rim of 

 forest in the pasture or a grove furnishes shade better 

 than isolated trees or than the roof just referred to. A 

 rim of forest is better than a grove, as in the former the 

 cows do not bunch in the shade as in the latter, and, 

 therefore, do not furnish conditions which to the same 

 extent encourages an increase in flies, which are very 

 liable to be bred in the droppings. 



The protection from flies is discussed further else- 

 where. (See page 406.) The annoyance from flies 

 may seriously reduce the milk flow, hence any protec- 

 tion that is effective and not too costly should be given 

 at certain seasons. One of the most feasible methods 

 of protection from flies is that which is furnished by a 

 basement stable, well ventilated and yet darkened. It 

 may be profitable, where practicable, to keep the cows 

 in such a place during the warm portion of the day in 

 time of flies. Anv stable or inclosed shed may be 

 utilized, but usually basement stables are relatively 

 cooler at such seasons. Such protection is not perfect 



