On the Fanning of Essex. 
27 
Stall-feeding, however, is carried out upon the larger farms 
with great spirit, but unfortunately, of late, with little profit ; — 
the great advance of price that has taken place in lean stock (espe- 
cially that of a superior character), and the depression upon the 
meat markets, has so reduced the profits, as to have rendered it 
impossible for some time past to stall-feed oxen with any ad- 
vantage to the grazier. 
The system pursued is to purchase lean animals at the autumnal 
fairs in our neighbourhood; the Scotch and Welch varieties, Here- 
fords and Durhams, are generally selected. Welch cattle are 
usually kept the first winter and spring upon a small quantity of 
turnips given in fold-yards with straw, are then fed upon grass, 
and finished with turnips in the early part of the ensuing winter. 
The Scots, especially the polled galloways, are either stall-fed in 
houses or in yards ; and, with proper management, are fattened in 
about four months. The turnips are mostly sliced, and about 3 
bushels of swede or 4 bushels of white turnips, with the addition 
of 5 lbs. of oil-cake per day ; and during the latter portion of the 
time the oil-cake is increased to 7 or 8 lbs. to animals weighing 
from 80 to 100 stones of 81bs. And the cost of bullocks of this 
description has varied from 10/. to 12/. each, which have been 
sold out at from 15/. to 20/. each. The usual calculation was for 
the bullock to double its value, and then it was considered fairly 
to repay the expense and trouble taken to produce it. The 
Hereford variety is much appreciated, especially heifers, which 
are purchased forward in calf, wuich having fattened, they are 
then put forward themselves, and are frequently sold within the 
year. 
As Essex is not a breeding county, it may be expected that 
every variety of stock should be found in it, which is really the 
case ; the smaller farmers generally keep the inferior varieties, con- 
sisting for the most part of the Welch or Irish breeds. The High- 
land varieties are grazed upon the marshes the first year, and are 
mostly finished off in the second with turnips, or mangold-wurzel 
and oil-cake. The Galloway Scots, Shorthorns and Herefords are 
stall-fed the first winter. 
Cows of every description are kept, but short horns have only 
lately been introduced on the best pastures. Suffolk polled cows 
are greatly approved, and the North and South Wales varieties, 
upon the farms of inferior or heavy quality of land. The produce 
of a cow is estimated at about 8/. per annum for suckling calves, 
and 12/. for dairying. 
Labourers are plentiful throughout this district; and as the 
harvest commences earlier than in the north-western district, har- 
vestmen proceed from thence and assist in this division for a week 
