128 



SIR C. BURRELL ON BOX-FEEDING. 



which is an open space with a pump. Next a fodder-house, 20 by 16, 

 having a door communicating with a passage to eight boxes, running 

 at the heads of the bullocks, where the feeding and water troughs are 

 placed. These troughs rise and fall in grooves, and are supported by 

 pins according to the accumulation of manure in the pits of the boxes. 

 At the end of the passage is another fodder-house, 25 by 21, commu- 

 nicating with eight more boxes, like the others in every respect. 

 Built in 1846. These boxes are about ten feet square. Between the 

 ranges of the boxes a spacious tank is constructed, containing 25,600 

 gallons of water ; which are obtained from the roofs of the boxes, and 

 from the under-drains of an arable field adjoining, the water being as 

 clear as from a filtering-machine. Be it also remembered that the 

 drains were eflfectually made by the Pearson plough twelve years past. 

 By means of a forcing-pump, an iron cistern, and pipes placed at a 

 proper height, the water is conveyed at a great saving of labour and 

 expense to one end of the feeding-cribs separated for that purpose, and 

 rendered as w^ater-tight by marine glue as if lined with lead. Messrs. 

 Palmer and Green, iron-founders, Brighton, supplied this most simple 

 and effectual apparatus. 



Perhaps an angular or double row of boxes, with an intervening 

 passage, might not only be more economical, but more convenient : in 

 my case, however, the present plan suited best ; especially as eight of 

 the boxes, one of the fodder-houses, a boiling-house, and pump 

 originally formed an extensive piggery, converted to the present 

 purpose at a moderate cost, through your discreet recommendation. 

 Agriculturists from considerable distances inspect my establishment, 

 for the purpose of obtaining information relative to compound-feeding, 

 and for taking measurements with a view to future erections. All 

 depart expressing much satisfaction at the result of their visit. It is 

 unnecessary for me to enlarge further, conceiving that the subject will 

 soon become familiar to the whole country. 



"With respect to flax, 1 have had fortunately so much employment 

 for my farm labourers, in under-draining, cutting down timber, and 

 grubbing up broad hedgerows, &c., that my crops have not been 

 converted wholly. Nor does the price that I have yet been able to 

 make tempt exertion : but of this, and other particulars respecting the 

 sale of fibre and tow, I require more information than I yet possess. 

 Home-grown linseed, however, stands foremost in my bailiff's esti- 

 mation, on account of its freedom from rubbish and superiority to 

 foreign. 



I remain, yours very truly, 



C. M. BuRRELL. 



Knepjj Castle, Sussex, ?iear Horsham, 

 February 24M, 1847. 



