AGRICULTURE. 



BOOK I. 



CHAPTER IV. 



OF BREEDING, REARING, AND FATTENING ANIMALS; AND 

 OF THEIR GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 



This branch of rural economy, as observed in the Introduc- 

 tion, depends much upon a knowledge of several facts in natu- 

 ral history which will enable the judicious farmer to improve 

 upon general practice : being less connected with laying out 

 a residence than the others, a few remarks only shall be 

 offered. 



I shall pass over the different modes of breeding (whether for 

 preserving the same race unadulterated, or for improving the 

 stock) and come to rearing ; which, whether it regards 

 beasts of labour or for the butcher, is of much importance. 

 Beasts of labour, with respect to food and shelter, should be 

 brought up hardy, by allowing them chiefly such food as is of 

 a coarse nature, and keeping them in such an exposed situation 

 as will accustom them in a considerable degree to the atmo- 

 sphere. In consequence of this mode of treatment, animals grow 

 to a much larger size, and become capable of enduring much 



