EXHIBITION OF 1868. 
451 
experienced by animals immediately previous to death, in a softening of the 
muscular tissues and in producing something such a change in their compo¬ 
sition, as well as in the composition of the juices that are in conjunction with 
them, as is affected by fermentation. The chemical substances may all re¬ 
main, but they have arranged themselves in new forms of combination which 
are, less fitted for the purpose of ministering to the wants of man. 
“ At the burial of the dead, at Fair Oaks, it was observed that the bodies 
of the soldiers who were exposed to the most dangerous part of the field^ 
and were consequently the subjects of extreme mental disquietude, were 
lacking in strength of muscle to such an extent that their arms drew out of 
their sockets, whenever it was attempted to remove the corpses by taking 
hold of the hand.” 
It appears that intense nervous agitation suffered by animals, results in a 
softening of the muscular tissues, and in producing something such a change 
in their composition, as well as in the composition of the juices that are in 
conjunction with them, as is effected by fermentation. The chemical sub¬ 
stances may all remain, but they have arranged themselves in new forms of 
combination which are less fitted for the purpose of ministering to the wants 
of man. 
I suspect many of the troubles in manufacturing milk, which cannot be 
counted for, are the direct result of harsh and brutal treatment of cows hji. 
cruel men employed in their care. I wish you would think of these things, 
and be convineed that there is nothing pays better than kindness to milk 
stock. No man has a right to abuse his stock and keep them in a constant tremon- 
of fear and nervous excitement, and then poison consiirtvers with the milk and 
beef of such animals. Remember that the best milk comes from upland or 
well drained pastures, and in the division of your lands, let the low or wetter .- 
portions, so far as possible, be devoted to meadows. Do not fall into the er¬ 
ror of laying down pastures with one kind of grass ; stock require variety in 
herbage. Seed with a varity of seeds; timothy, the clovers, blue grass, red- 
top, fine medow grass, (jooa-sera^ma,) meadow fescue, (festuca-praiensis,) wire 
grass, (poa-compressa,) sweet scented vernal and orchard grass, and with those 
native to your soil and climate. These will make the best pastures for your 
milk and beef. 
Remember that many varieties of grasses growing together will produce 
more food, and make a more enduring turf. 
Provide corn fodder at the rate of an acre for every eight cows, so that 
when pastures begin to fail in July and August you will always have an abun¬ 
dant store of succulent food at your command to keep up the flow of good 
milk. In this way you will turn your cattle to account and get from your 
lands remunerative results. 
I thank you for your attention, and ask pardon for detaining you so long. 
