The Principles of Agriculture Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1844 Excerpt: ... to general opinion, wheat straw is the best; it is the most proper substitute for hay when that kind of fodder is deficient, and is likewise the kind of straw which horses eat most willingly. The haulm of tares, lentils, and beans are, doubtless, still more nutritious, especially when part of their leaves are left on them in the green state. Some farmers are afraid to give pea-straw; they say that it sometimes brings on colic; but this opinion is founded on mere prejudice. Opinions are divided respecting the propriety of feeding horses in the stable on clover and other kinds of greenmeat. For my own part, I am persuaded that horses may be kept in this manner in good health and full vigour; at least, when a proper system is pursued. It is however, the quantity of this fodder, and the price current of grain, which determine the amount of saving that may be obtained by this mode of feeding. I kept my horses in this way for several years, when corn was high-priced, and always with advantage; they improved in condition without losing strength, even when they were not spared in respect of work. In the following winter, also, they were in surprisingly good condition. The transition from dry to green fodder must, however, be gradually made. At first, the clover must be cut up with straw; and first one portion of it, then two, given daily in place of oats; afterwards, when the clover is in flower, it is given to them in as great a quantity as they like; but then the corn is stopped. It is not good to give corn with green-meat, because the former then passes through the body undigested. If corn and green feeding are to be united, the corn must be given in the morning, and the horses not allowed any green fodder before noon, or any corn in the after part of the day. G...