HYGIENE OP BEEEDING 879 



markings. The North Devon having been accustomed to 

 rather a light, poor soil has itself become small and light, 

 but shows great quality and milking character. The South 

 Devon, reared on the very rich land of South Devon and 

 Somerset, has become very much bigger and more massive, 

 and of a coarser type generally. It is never sound policy 

 to rear these South Devons on light land which will not 

 ' carry' them, as they very soon lose their massive character, 

 and tend to become light-fleshed and bony without the 

 quality of the North Devon. 



The difference of type between mountain ponies and cart- 

 horses bred on the fens will also serve to illustrate the 

 point, although a very extreme case. 



Whether the system of raising the stock is to be a natural 

 or a purely artificial one, the climate, aspect, and natural 

 drainage of the farm must be taken into account. Every 

 class of animal has a preference for a certain climate — 

 aspect, for instance. Sheep as a rule prefer a high situation 

 and dry atmosphere, with a light, well-drained soil, while 

 cattle prefer a lower position, with deep, rather moist soil 

 which will produce the richest herbage. 



Then, again, the different breeds of each class of animal 

 vary very much in this respect ; for example, heavy shire 

 horses can be raised with success on the Lincolnshire fens, 

 while light, well-bred horses require a lighter and dryer 

 soil, with a much warmer aspect. 



Suitability of Surroundings. — All young animals require 

 plenty of fresh air and sunlight, with sufficient exercise for 

 their best development, and these must be assured them if 

 success is to be obtained. 



All boxes and houses should be dry, airy, sunny, and 

 should stand on a well-drained soil, gravel for preference ; 

 any tendency to dampness or mouldiness should be avoided. 

 They should have a southern aspect, and, if possible, an 

 open court in front where the animals can remain during 

 the day, and get a certain amount of natural exercise and 

 sunlight. 



While on the subject of the boxes, stables, etc., of a 



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