140 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



mixture of stock is exceedingly good for the grass. But a first- 

 rate bullock pasture is not certain to be a suitable place for 

 milch cows ; they are more likely to put on fat than to increase 

 the flow of milk. 



As fat beasts approach fitness for the butcher they become 

 very dainty, and will often leave behind a lot of feed. This 

 should be got rid of quickly by crowding the field with store 

 stock. Then a brief rest will prepare it for bullocks again. 

 It is a wise rule to start the stock on the worst pasture of the 

 farm, and gradually move them forward to that which is 

 better. Stock which have once had good food will not take 

 kindly to that which is inferior, but when placed upon it they 

 lose flesh, and this is ruinous for the grazier. 



No matter how rich a pasture may be, I believe it to be 

 sound practice for the beasts, for the grass, and for the farmer's 

 pocket, to supply a liberal addition of Cabbage, Mangel, and 

 above all of oil cake, before the feed runs at all short. A good 

 grazier will not be content unless the stock lie down on the 

 pastures a great part of every day. If they do not quickly 

 satisfy appetite they cannot put on fat, and this is impossible 

 when the animals are wholly dependent on grass which is eaten 

 down close. 



A stringent rule cannot be laid down as to when grazing 

 land should be cleared of cattle for the winter. It must be 

 done in time to ensure ample pasturage hi the following spring, 

 and the grass should be eaten down close before very cold 

 weather sets in. It is surprising with what relish cattle will 

 take some of the coarse grasses late in autumn which they 

 have refused to eat during summer. Frost no doubt sweetens 

 and makes these coarse tufts palatable. If they are not 

 consumed they must be mown before Christmas. 



The necessity of scattering the droppings of cattle is well 

 understood, although it is often neglected. By postponing this 

 work until late in the year a quantity of grass is lost to the 

 grazier. Large unsightly patches of herbage appear, which the 



