31*2 ()i\ THE comparative advantages of raw 
and south. But we need not go so far for examples ; — a review of 
the breeds of cattle found in the British isles proves the all-power- 
ful law, that like causes produce like effects. This part of our 
subject must form the principal portion of our third paper. 
ON THE COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OF RAW AND 
BOILED GRAIN AS FOOD FOR FARM-HORSES. 
By Mr. James Cowie,F.S'., Halkerton Mains, Kincardineshire. 
[Prize Essay of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.] 
Before proceeding to the more practical part of the subject, 
I would observe, in regard to experiments generally, that they 
cannot be conducted on too extensive a scale, because, when 
unforeseen difficulties and inexplicable anomalies present them- 
selves, which often happen in certain circumstances, they may be 
regarded as probable casualties, which do not affect the general 
results. Acting on this impression, I put nearly the whole 
horses in my possession on the experimental feeding desired, viz. 
four on each of three farms which I occupy. They were divided 
into three sets, in the following manner: — 
First set. 
Two horses fed on cut barley and beans mixed 
Two do. on same quantity and quality boiled. 
Ages of these were 4, 11 ; 11, 10, years. 
Second set. 
Two horses fed on raw oats and beans 
Two do. on boiled do. do. 
Ages of these were 8, 11 ; 11, 12, years. 
Third set. 
Two horses fed on raw oats 
Two do. on boiled do. 
Ages of these were 7, 9 ; 9, 10, years. 
The barley and beans were given in the proportion of four of 
barley to one of beans. Having no bruising cylinders, I had the 
grain cut at a meal-mill. It was soaked or steeped in water 
for twelve hours, before being given to the horses ; but no more 
water was applied than what was necessary simply to damp the 
mixture. Each horse received a peck or about sixteen pounds 
of grain daily, with oat-straw. The weight of the barley was 
50 lb., and that of the oats 42 lb. per bushel. The object of the 
