VOL. VII.

SEPTEMBER 30, 1839.

EDMUND RUFFIN, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.

No. 9.

and the beef commands a higher price in the market. In bringing cattle forward to the state when they are disposed of to the consumer, farmers have adopted two methods; some prefer to breed and feed on the farm, a number that the farm can support, and others to buy yearly a number they can afford to feed. The preference given to either of the two methods would seem to be, or should be, determined by locality and other circumstances; yet caprice and fancy would seem to do much, for it is hard to conceive how two farms adjoining each other should be suitable to different modes except in the bare opinion of the farmer, or how two breeds of animals can be most profitable in similar cases, except in opinion only. In many situations the difference to be observed between breeding and feeding, is most marked, and it is very fortunate that the diversity of opinion prevails in other places, for it affords a ready market for our mountain breeds, which if the case was other

From the London Farmer's Magazine, for July, 1839. ON THE REARing and feeding of cattle. In our island, where the domestic animals enter so largely into the article of human food, a great part of the farmer's attention must be devoted to the rearing of them to the degree of perfection their ultimate use requires; for every labor bestowed on any kind of cultivation, and every article the farmer produces by the application of that labor, tends to the same result-the production of food for man and beast. Before the introduction of green crops, a very imperfect system of rearing prevailed, from want of succulent food for winter; grass-fed animals could only be brought to market, and if kept through winter they lost during that time the degree of condition they had acquired during summer; for hay and straw if used in profusion will not rear or feed the animals quickly and profitably. The cultivation of green crops has completely altered the whole system, and has introduc-wise, might not be so profitable. In choosing & ed an entire revolution, both in the cultivation of native breed, the farmer will be guided by the the land, and in the management of the domestic quality of the soil, the food he can produce, and animals, a better and more regular supply of food by other circumstances, and much will depend on has been obtained, and a vast addition to the num- his own fancy; but if he prefer to buy in, rather ber and quality of every article produced on the farm. than breed, it will be found that the Scotch polled An improvement in the supply of food carried and West Highland breed will pay more money along with it corresponding improvements in the than any other. A very general mistake is comanimals themselves, and on no point of rural econ-mitted in not allowing them sufficient time on the omy has more skill and exertion been shown, or land, in order to feed-not less than eighteen more persevering industry exercised, than we months should be allowed, or twelve in cases have witnessed by many breeders in this kingdom where they have been bought in good condition. in improving the qualities of the animals, by inter- Green crops being now known to us, which if duly mixing and engrafting the properties of the one on cultivated will afford succulent food during winthe other, so as to develope and bring forth those ter, it is understood that no farmer neglects proviqualities for the use of man. Our breeds of cattle ding a sufficient quantity if he wishes to rear and are numerous, but the various crosses and rem-feed profitably, not only with regard to the profits nants of old breeds need not be enumerated, and they may be reduced to the few breeds that are now most approved, and from which we may choose for any situation in the kingdom. For all rich soils and favored situations, the Durham breed, or short-horns are preferred, and the long-horns are still kept by many excellent cultivators. The Herefords and short-horns seem nearly balanced in merits, if we may judge from the prizes awarded them. For inferior lands we have the Devon breed, not surpassed by any cattle in the kingdom, and besides we have multitudes of nondescript animals, that do not fall under any class, but which are yet much used in all parts of the kingdom. In Scotland, where great numbers of cattle are reared and exported, the native breeds are three Cow-sheds should be provided with calf-pens -the Ayrshire which are evidently allied to the adjoining, under the same roof, where the calves Yorkshire breed-the Galloways, or polled blacks, are confined in separate apartments for one animal, and the West Highland breed of horned black, and floored with boards, pierced with auger holes shaggy-haired animals, which are found, with that they may lay dry and comfortable. From these some little variation, all over the western and apartments they are brought twice or thrice a day northern Highlands of Scotland. Great numbers to be suckled, led by a halter, and tied, when of these animals are fed in England; and an opi-sucking, to a rope extended along the cow-shed. nion is entertained, and my own experience goes Suckling is always to be preferred to nursing by far in support of it, that these mountain cattle pay the pail; when milk is exposed, mueh of the vamore money per head and per acre, than any of lue is lost, the gaseous fluids go off by evaporation, our fine breeds, after all the improvements that and the appearance of the calves nursed by the have been made. The cost of production is small two methods is a sufficient decision. Suckling is VOL. VI-65

of the animals itself, but to the manure raised for the future benefit of the farm. But notwithstanding the long acknowledged profits of these crops and also of improved breeds of stock, we find great neglect prevail on both points; for if we look into Smithfield, or any other market, we find the improved animals bear a small proportion to the others; farmers yet persist in breeding very unthrifty animals, and for want of green crops they are bred and starved upon a system. In many cases. however, we find both breeding and feeding carried on systematically and profitably, with due attention to the profits expected from the animal itself, from the attention and food bestowed, and. also to the future benefits expected from the system.

attended with less trouble, and an experienced When the calves are removed from the home cowman will soon be able to judge of the proper paddock, the best pasture on the farm will be given quantity to be allowed them. From January to them, well watered and sheltered if possible; in June is the proper time for weaning-early calves, many cases the lattermath of a hay crop answers maintaining a decided superiority unless greater, weil. When fields lie in permanent grass, a shed encouragement be afterwards afforded to the later with a view to permanency may be erected in ones. In situations where fattening for veal is each field at a very trifling cost, and may be so found profitable, both weaning and fattening go contrived as to suit both cattle and sheep. Where on together; and even where cheese and butter the alternate system of farming prevails, a corner are manufactured, all the three may be easily man- where the plough does not strike, may be got, and aged, by allotting a number of cows for suckling a very useful shelter erected. Cattle of an age and a number to be milked for the dairy. Calves should pasture together, and the smaller the lots fed for veal must not be restricted in the quantity the better. of milk; for weaning, they must be allowed such By the end of October, the approach of cold a quantity as will keep them always in a sleek weather will render necessary the removal of the and thriving condition, without fatting them, for cattle to the home yard. Every farm is, or ought any fat produced at that time would be lost. An to be, provided with a number of yards suited to ordinary cow will feed four calves for veal, or make its size and to the quality of the soil, the bottoms veal of two and wean three, much depending on level with that of the shelter-shed, raised above the milky nature of the cow, and on the quality of that of the yard, to throw the moisture outwards, the pasture. The various substitutes for milk that the cattle may lie dry; cribs for holding the that have been puffed abroad among farmers have roots given to the cattle are ranged along the suball proved an utter fallacy, only supplying the far-division walls, and sometimes placed in the she!mer with a few pounds of butter and cheese at theter-shed under cover; the most approved are of a expense of the animal. They never fail in produ- square shape with a latticed bottom, which allows cing a large belly and offal, an infallible mark of all moisture to escape. Buildings of stone and degeneracy and bad keep, in any animal, and in lime have been erected along the walls, but they no case have we been yet able to improve upon hold water and sludge very much; wood is cleanwhat nature has provided the mother with in nur-er, and where used, the bottom planks should be sing her offspring. During that time the mother should form the chief object of our attention.

In the month of May, when the weather has become warm, and the young grass has sprung, the earliest calves will be turned out into a grass paddock of fine pasture, provided with water and shelter, and convenient to the homestead, and where they can be suckled twice a day. The cow's pasture should be adjacent if possible, and also well provided with water and shelter, and laid down or improved for the purpose. The paddock for the calves may consist of one or two acres, and an orchard suits very well, the fruit trees affording shelter from the heat, and amusement in rubbing. A shelter shed is indispensable, with a dry well littered bottom, and may be so contrived, as to suit for lambing the ewes in the spring, which business will be concluded before the calves are turned out. The ewes lying all night in the paddock, will bestow a good top dressing, which must be attended to by rolling. At the age of 16 weeks the calves will be ready to go to the pasture field, the quantity of milk having been gradually reduced as the calves learned to eat the grass. As they are removed from the paddock the next oldest ones are turned out from the call-pens, and when the weaning season is near a close, as many of the latest calves as the paddock can maintain may remain in it for the season, to be near at hand for receiving some better encouragement to raise them to an equality with the oldest. Nothing more disfigures a herd of cattle as to see them of different sizes and qualities, and colors, and in many cases of different breeds, showing a great want of skill in the breeding, and of care and attention in the nursing and rearing. After the weaning season is over, the milk for the remainder of the season may be applied to suckling for veal, or to making butter and cheese, as situation may direct. In places where these articles are the staple produce, the weaning of calves will be on a smaller scale; but on these farms some are weaned, to which the above observations will equally apply.

perforated with holes to discharge the water. Troughs of stone, of wood, or of cast iron, are placed across the division walls, so as to supply two yards; and the water is conveyed in pipes from a pump, or supplied by ball cocks and pipes from a cistern placed aloft for that purpose, in some house of the farmery, and to which the water is raised by a forcing valve in the yard pump. Turnips are now mostly given in a cut state, and where straw is rank and abundant, it may be cut to shorter lengths, which will render it more manageable and easier of reduction.

Into these yards properly furnished, the cattle are put in lots of ages and sizes, varying in number from 3 to 7 when feeding; young cattle may be kept in greater numbers. Most feeders now prefer the open yard to housing, though on turnip farms, a feeding house is very necessary where a few choice animals may be fattened, or a few inferior ones may be brought more quickly to perfection. Fresh straw should be put frequently into the racks, and cabbages are a very proper article to begin the feeding of young stock for the first winter. These and turnip tops are given once, and better if twice a day, and continued through the winter-if they fail, potatoes and beets are given in moderate quantities, so as to keep the young animals in a sleek and thriving condition, without any tendency to gorge them, or induce them to nauseate their food. They should always show a keen appetite, and seem able to eat more than is given. The yards are frequently littered, thinly at a time, so as to keep them dry and comfortable, and also mix the manure properly. The straw racks are shifted often, that the straw may not lie dry around them, and the yards are of such a size as will admit of the cattle treading, dunging, and watering on every part. A very common error prevails on this point, the yards are much too large, the straw lies dry and unmixed in many parts, and the good dung lies huddled together in the other places. Space sufficient for the cattle to

move about freely for air and exercise is quite | animal food; for unless the animal be well fattened enough, due regard being had to warmth in the and regularly, the lean is dry and wholly wanting shelter-shed. An equal mistake with too much in juices, which can only be imparted by a ripe space lies in making the yards too small.

In the month of May of each year the pasture fields will be ready for stocking, when the different sizes and ages will be arranged by the best judgment of the farmer. In October of each year, the cattle will be turned into the fold-yards, and fed with ample allowances of roots and straw, and with the yards kept dry and comfortable. As the cattle increase in age, the fewer numbers must be put together in one yard, and during the third and fourth winter, they will be fed off and sold. I have recommended all calves to suck the cow for veal or for weaning, and I now mention that the treatment of any animal during the first year of its growth generally stamps its future distinction. If it be stinted in the quantity or in the quality of the food, future pampering will not recover its lost growth; and if it be well fed during the first year, and attain a good size, indifferent treatment afterwards will have much less effect. If a calf be well suckled, great attention is necessary during the first winter that it receive such treatment as will carry it forward, and that it does not lose in that time what it gained the previous summer. This result often happens from want of winter food of roots; for though hay and straw be in profusion, they never can supply the place of green crops.

state. The one-half at least of our cattle in market are not fat; they are starved in early years, and then for a short time they are tied to a stake and gorged with food to produce an appearance quickly, and sold off to save expense; and hence arises the badly furnished animal in the hands of the butcher. An animal always in good condition is fattening gradually and profitably, the dung is of more value, and when the age of fattening off arrives, a small application of more food concludes the process. A greater number of cattle is often kept on a farm that it can maintain profitably— an erroneous policy, but very common.

I have observed that where a farmer chooses partly or wholly to follow the buying system in place of breeding, it will be found that our small mountain breeds will pay more money than any other. In most cases, too short a time is allowed them to feed, for the natural propensity to fatten has not been in them any way improved by breeding or keeping, and in that respect they differ from our new breeds. They are mostly fed very poorly in their youth, and when transported to rich pastures, fat cannot be laid instantly; but in course of time, if in fair condition, a year will be sufficient, but if bought in a lean state from droves, they should be on the ground for 18 months, fed the Cattle when feeding must have a full supply of first winter on half the full allowance of green food, but not to pall their appetites, which must food, well grazed the following summer, and fed always be keen and in full action, The food pre-off the ensuing winter. This is gradual feeding, viously given them should be clean eaten up, or and indispensible, if we wish for good beef: The nearly so, before any more be supplied, and the age should be four or rather five years when slaughcribs regularly cleaned out and every filth removed.tered. The first feed of cut turnips, potatoes, or beet, is Oil cake, bean, and barley meal, oats, and other given by the break of day, and the last so long articles have been used in the feeding of cattle, but before darkness sets in as will allow time for the experience has long since proved that if the farcattle to eat the whole during day-light, as any ac-mer will only try to raise potatoes, beet, cabbages, cidents from hoving or choking have a, better chance of being seen and remedied. A dry bed in the shelter-shed, and in any part of the yard during dry weather, is indispensable.

and turnips in quantity, he needs no substitute, except in case of a failure of the above crops. Straw alone is required for litter, and for the cattle to eat a little when inclined.

HISTORY OF SUGAR.

J. D.

From the North American Review.

Opinions differ as to the most profitable age of'] feeding our best breeds of cattle. My own experience agrees with the opinion expressed by Earl Spencer, one of our highest authorities, that the age of four years seems the most advantageous, as the most likely to secure the utmost weight of the animal, and to avoid unnecessary expenditure Within the present century has commenced a in trying to obtain more bulk, and also the loss by revolution, which may prove to be of very differslaughtering at too early an age, before the ani-ent importance from what has yet generally been mal had reached maturity. I have observed that supposed, in respect to a leading article in the a great part of our cattle are starved on system-commerce and domestic economy of civilized men. they are grazed and gain something in summer, It has now arrived at a stage, at which it furnishes and lose it in winter. The miserable appearance of young stock, both in the yard and in the fields, sufficiently support this opinion, and the case will not be mended till green crops are more extensively cultivated. We know plants adapted I may say The commercial and economical importance of to almost every soil, and it only remains to culti-sugar is of modern date. It was known to the vate them. In order to produce a thoroughly well Greeks and Romans as a medicinal substance, but fed and ripe animal it must be gradually fed from not as food or a condiment. Herodotus informs the day of its birth, by good keeping, which will us, that the Zygantes, a people of Africa, had, keep the body in a thriving condition and full of "besides honey of bees, a much greater quantity juices, and also produce that mixture of fat and made by men." This was probably sugar, but Jean so necessary to constitute beef of good qual-not brought to a state of crystallization. Nearity. Hence arises the well furnished animal in chus, the admiral of Alexander, "discovered conthe hands of the butcher, and from the starving cerning canes, that they make honey without system is owing the bad quality of much of our bees." Megasthenes, quoted by Strabo, speaks,

some data for answering the questions, how far it is likely to proceed, and what are to be its effects upon the employment, subsistence, comfort and wealth of nations.