FODDER IN INDIA. 35 



platforms of some kind, and it is absolutely necessary to 

 thatch. Carrots should b'e stacked on a platform with a 

 2' layer of sand below them, cover them all over with sand 

 (dry of course) and thatch or plaster over with mud and 

 gobar, etc. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Carting. — Whether using farm or hired carts it is 

 economical to arrange hay-cocks around stack sites so as to 

 reduce distances to a minimum. Where hired carts are 

 used, especially in large numbers, the number employed 

 should be constantly checked. During the haymaking, if 

 the grass is destined eventually for ground issues or for 

 stackyards, the larger the hay-cocks are the better, when it 

 has to stand for any considerable time ; the grass comes 

 out more compact, is better to load, enables a bigger load 

 {i.e., greater weight per load), a certain amount of dryage 

 and wastage are avoided, also less damage will be done in 

 case of showers, and the quantity out per plot will be more 

 easily checked and controlled. Carting may be paid for 

 by maundage, daily labour, pulas, loads, or area ; local 

 conditions and prices will be the best guide to the best 

 system together with the nature of the work in hand. 



Stacking. — Excepting for the large stackyards as used 

 in connection with Rukh Farms and those attached to or in 

 the vicinity of regimental horse lines in which cases large 

 rectangular stacks of from 10,000 — 20,000 maunds or more 

 should be built, the writer is a great advocate for small 

 stacks, round ones for choice, holding about 1,000 maunds. 

 They are easier to build, cheaper to build, easier to thatch 

 and more weather-proof when thatched, stand firmer and 

 steadier against sand and rainstorms, a convenient size for 

 issues, less loss is entailed in case of fire, a very great 

 consideration, for I think I may safely say without fear of con- 

 tradiction that once a hay stack big or little gets well on 

 fire in spite of many rules, regulations, orders, etc., for 



