ELEMENTS OF A JR/CULTURE. 
83 
port! mate to the size of his farm. In this respect, how¬ 
ever, it is difficult to lay down any general rule, and say 
that so many acres require so many cattle ; because the 
quantity of stock that a given quantity of land will support 
depends as much upon the quality of the land, and local 
causes, as upon the number of acres. 
83. In the production of manure, the quantity of stock 
is not the only thing to be studied; ali the animals on a 
farm should not only be fed, but well fed ; and the quan¬ 
tity of food that they will require depends upon their size 
and species. Besides, when the manure is thrown out ir 
heaps from the stable, its value may be greatly affected 
its management. 
84. The excrements of animals are not entirely com¬ 
posed of the residuum of the food that has passed through 
them ; they contain also certain particles belonging to the 
bodies of the animals. These particles are, in greater or 
less quantity, dependent on the fatness of the animal; 
when the beast is poor, there will be fewer of these ani- 
malized particles that increase the value of the manure. 
85. Hence we may easily understand the great differ 
ence in the value of manures accruing from well-kept 
cattle, and those that are barely kept alive. If the farme 
contents himself with feeding his cattle on substances ot 
difficult decomposition, and containing but little nourish¬ 
ment — as, for instance, straw - this food will pass through 
their bodies without undergoing any great change, and 
without being animalized, in consequence of the leanness 
of the beast, brought about by such a diet. 
86. If the quality of the food affects the quality of the 
manure, so does the manner of keeping cattle affect its 
quantity. Cattle are usually kept in two ways; at large 
in pastures, or in stables. This last method, if possible, 
should be preferred; of course, allowing the animals to 
run cut sufficiently for exercise. Sheep are, however, an 
