192 Animal Husbandry 
least in part, particularly where the animals must lie and where 
the feed-bunks and racks are placed. For this purpose various 
materials are used, chiefly cobblestones, bricks, cement, and plank. 
Before laying the pavement a grade should be established slightly 
higher than the surrounding surface, to eliminate the surface 
water. The grade should have a slope of at least one inch to six 
feet. 
316. Platform for feed-bunks. — On soils that are porous and 
from which the water drains off rapidly, the mud gives little incon- 
venience except about the feed-bunks, dry-forage-racks, and water- 
tank. About these and extending back six feet, may be placed 
a few loads of coarse gravel or, better still, a pavement similar to 
that described above, or a plank platform. Whatever the material 
used in construction, it should be so arranged that the farmer 
may drive alongside the bunk or rack with a load of feed. 
317. Dry-forage-rack. — It is not advisable to have the feed- 
bunks and the dry-forage-racks combined, since the litter from the 
dry forage falling upon the grain renders it distasteful to cattle, 
particularly when on a full grain ration. Neither is it advisable 
to construct such racks under the shed except where the climate 
is very disagreeable, though they should be placed to the south 
of the shed or barn to protect them measurably from the winds 
and driving storms. The form and shape of the dry-forage-racks 
will depend on the condition in which dry forage is fed, cornstalks 
calling for one form, hay for another, and chopped hay or shredded 
fodder for still another. As these racks are likely to be permanent, 
they should be constructed to meet the particular conditions 
under which they are to be used. 
318. Water-tanks. — When the water-tanks are not too large, 
avery good way to prevent freezing, except in very severe weather, 
is to encase the tank in a box or frame and fill this frame with 
litter from the horse stable. The frame should be so constructed 
as to permit the use of a layer of this manure at least one foot thick 
all around the tank. 
