PREFACE.
The beneficence of an all wise Providence in organizing man, so as to secure him dominion over animals of inferior physical construction, impose on him obligations to exercise that eminent advantage in a spirit of mercy and in mitigation of the pains and disorder of the brute creation! Impose upon him as a gentleman, as an intelligent Farmer, or as a man of humanity; should deem it essential to make himself familiar with the nature and injuries of the suffering brute. To say nothing of the duty, which common intelligence and humanity enjoins upon every one to prepare himself with proper information, remedies and common medicines, which will enable him to extend immediate relief to the speechless, suffering animals. No man should hesitate, to provide himself with a book which will teach him plainly in what way to give relief to the poor speechless brute.
THE AGE.
The age of neat cattle is very difficult to get at, until they reach the age of three years; after this, we get at the age by the horns. The surface of the horn continues very smooth, until the expiration of the second year of the animals life, when a wrinkle or circle of thicker horn begins to be formed around the base. This is truly completed in twelve months and another ring then begins to appear, so that if the perfect rings or circles are counted, and two added to them, the age of the beast is supposed to be ascertained. These rings, however, are not always clear and distinct, and it is very easy to remove one or two of them with a rasp, at least to the unpracticed eye, when the animal begins to be remarkably old. In addition to this, a well known fact should be stated:—That if a heifer takes the bull at about two years old, the first ring is formed a twelve month before its usual time, and consequently she would always appear to be reckoning by her horns, a twelve month older than she really is. After all, the age as denoted by the horn can only be calculated in the Cow. These rings do not begin to appear in the Ox or Bull until the animal is five years old, and then they are frequently too confused to be accurately counted.
When in health, a softness of the skin, and a glossy appearance of the hair, not only indicates present health, but a disposition to thrive; while a hard dry skin clinging to the ribs, and a staring in every direction, show that there is something wrong in the constitution, and that it will be labor in vain to attempt to fatten such a beast, for your own interest, you should put your beast in good condition, and keep it in condition.
ON THE DISEASES OF HORNED CATTLE.
Inflammation:—Inflammation is the most frequent diseased condition to which neat Cattle are subject. External inflammation is known by the part being swollen, tender and hotter, than in its natural state; in garget or downfall of the udder, which is an inflammation of one or more quarters of the bag; the affected parts are swollen, tender and hot. If this state of the bag is neglected, matter or pus will be formed, and make a troublesome job, this should not be neglected or deferred; if it is properly treated, the swelling heat and tenderness will generally disappear.