462 Suggestions for Stock-feeding in the Winter of 1893-94. 
long as possible, the oldest probably all the winter, in which 
case a dressing on the back of some greasy waterproof mixture, 
which may be bought, or more cheaply prepared at home, is often 
used with considerable advantage. The scanty grass feeding at 
this time must be supplemented with cotton, or rape cake, or 
corn, before the animals begin to sink in condition. 
The foregoing remarks apply generally also to sheep, with 
regard to which some useful hints will be found applicable to the 
present time in the prize essay of Mr. John Coleman, “ Manage- 
ment of Sheep Stock on Heavy and Light Land ” (Journal, Yol. I. 
2nd series, 1865). In any case, in the matter of both cattle and 
sheep, it null probably be the aim of feeders, as an exceptional 
practice this winter, to supply the maximum of nourishment 
with the minimum of bulk ; beginning this system of economy 
gradually, so as to allow the animal time to more or less accom- 
modate itself to the change. It is of importance to look well in 
advance, and to so arrange that an uniform and regular supply 
may extend over the anxious months ahead. 
Many hints have been given, applicable to an ordinary year, 
in aid of economical wintering of stock, which in this year of 
famine would be altogether out of place, tending as they do to 
the increased consumption of the very product which it is our 
imperative duty now to conserve. 
One encouraging fact must not be lost sight of, which is that 
the present unusual slaughter of calves, lambs, and all animals 
carrying any quantity of flesh can have but one result, and that 
the same as followed similar proceedings in the matter of pigs 
two years ago, viz., improved prices as soon as the grass grows 
in 1894. This should be some little encouragement to the 
English farmer, who is now face to face with a crisis originated 
by unfair foreign competition, bad seasons, and rampant and 
unchecked adulteration, accentuated at this particular time by 
the most disastrous season of the century — a crisis which will 
be ruinous or otherwise in proportion to the ability and 
willingness of all classes interested to stand shoulder to shoulder 
in mutuality of interest for the common weal. 
John Francis Beddall. 
III. 
All kinds of fodder — hay, straw, silage, and roots — are more 
scarce, and will continue to be during the ensuing winter, than 
the present generation of farmers has ever experienced. This 
follows, moreover, upon the exceptionally bad year of 1892, 
when all such stocks were exhausted. Thus the farmer is now 
at his wits’ end to know how to keep his live stock, not only in 
