192 



PRIZE CATTLE-SHOWS. 



found too high for the consumer. It is also too low for the 

 farmer. The reasons may be traced to his not rearing more 

 stock — to the waste of grass in the summer — of straw in the 

 Avinter, and to the purchase of foreign oil-cake and artificial 

 manures. These things I have repeatedly pointed out, and 

 am convinced that, by a methodical and economical use of 

 native resources, every farmer could afford to sell his fat 

 cattle at one-fourth less than the present price, and realize 

 what is now seldom the case, a clear profit. 



Of all subjects connected with agriculture, that of rearing 

 and fattening cattle is the first in importance ; for the ma- 

 nure so obtained is the only means of keeping a farm in high 

 condition, being suitable to all soils, durable in effect, and 

 therefore cheaper than any other. — In order to obtain so large 

 an accession of cattle as I contemplate, more must be bred — 

 fewer killed when young, and none allowed to live till they 

 are four or five years old. The fattening so many calves dur- 

 ing the summer months is much to be deprecated, because 

 their original value for rearing is sunk in the low price of veal, 

 while their lives are required to keep down the price of lean 

 stock. If, then, it is an evil to kill them so young, it is equally 

 so to keep them after they have arrived at maturity, especially 

 when fattened to a degree that renders the greater part unfit 

 for the table. The Christmas cattle-shows exemplify the 

 justice of this remark, being masses of fat manufactured for 

 the tallow chandler, rather than of wholesome meat for the 

 community. In this way, man}^ thousands of pounds are sunk 

 and much food destroyed every year. I calculate that many 

 of the animals lately exhibited at the Bazaar in London, 

 did not realise the cost of grazing by 307., 40/., or 50Z. each. 

 Could the system of rearing summer calves be generally 

 adopted, farmers would soon be in possession of cheap herds of 

 cattle. To any objections that might be made on account of 

 milk being wanted for cheese, and the inability of the calf to 

 withstand the approaching winter, I refer to the linseed-com- 

 pounds as excellent and economical substitutes for milk, and to 

 the boxes as an effectual protection against the inclemency of 

 the weather. From observation and a little experience, I am 

 led to conclude, that calves are brought up in summer at much 



