Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/496

462] level crops of hay, and beautiful verdure, redeeming the highest credit on his character, as an enlightened, and public-spirited agriculturist.

The Herefordshire breed above-mentioned, appear to be a mixture of the Welsh, and a spurious race of long-horned cattle. Mr., of Charlton, in Kent, however, is of opinion, that the true Herefordshire cattle, with respect to kindly disposition for feeding, or delicacy of flesh, is not more than enual to the true-bred Sussex; though the former are more complete in their make, generally wider and fuller over the shoulders or fore chine, and the breast or brisket, also in the after-part of the rump, which is much oftener narrow and shelly in the latter. In short, the cattle of Herefordshire are, in the opinion of the most experienced farmers, considered as the best in England for , the , and for fattening.

Besides the rules we have already stated, under the head of, we shall in this place observe, that cattle may be much improved by crossing the strain, or breed; which is said to be attended with the most beneficial consequences. This practice, though ridiculed by some prejudiced farmers, is nevertheless sanctioned by the opinion and long experience of many successful breeders, and especially the late Mr. ; who has recommended the propagating from the old breed, only, till a better could be procured.

In keeping live-stock on grain, as well as grass-farms, their kinds, size, and number, in proportion to the means of subsistence, deserve unremitted attention; as likewise the modes of keeping them, and saving their manure. It is asserted, that English cows require, in general, from one to two acres of pasture: this is mostly made, by sowing grass-seeds after the ground has produced crops for many years, being both ameliorated and exhausted under manurings and good tillage. Such land continues several years afterwards in grass, which is carefully cleared of brambles and strong weeds. During this time, the cows drop their dung, which is exposed on the ground, to be exhausted by the united effects of the sun and wind; and which, according to the old system, is supposed to benefit the soil in a considerable degree. But the good effects of this irregular method of fertilizing our pastures is, in a great measure, counteracted by the continual treading of the cattle; and we have every reason to hope that such wasteful and unprofitable modes of manuring will sooner or latter be relinquished, and better practices be generally adopted.—See.

The plan which prevails at present, is attended with this advantage, that rich grass-pasture will keep grown cattle at the rate of $1 1⁄3$ of an acre per head, during the six warmer months; and common pasture, at the rate of two acres each. Thus, they require very little attention; and, as they range at pleasure, and drop their manure on the held, the expence and labour of heaping up, carting out, and spreading it, are entirely saved. On the other hand, by the cattle treading on the grass and pasture, the value of the latter is much diminished. Besides, pastures require expensive fences; the dung being scattered on the ground, is exposed to exhalation and waste, by