Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1875 — Pure Water for Stock. [ARTICLE]

Pure Water for Stock.

Invariably we realize and appreciate the value of pure water for the use of the human family; but this cannot always be said of our idea of what is fit and desirable for the brute creation. The horse is naturally somewhat fastidious as to his drinking, and, unless hard pressed by thirst, will generally refuse water that is not perfectly pure and clean. Other animals, including horned stock, are not so particular, while their owners are frequently less so than themselves, and where running water is not convenient the latter are apt to allow the cattle to take water from marshes or from standing pools; giving the matter little or no attention so long as the animals appear to thrive. So far as neat cattle are concerned, the evil results of this practice may be so remote as never to manifest themselves, and the animals may be sent away to the shambles in a condition which promisesexcellent beef. But there is another class of cattle where negligence may be attended with the gravest results. Our milch cows cannot take impure food or water into the system without affecting in a greater or less degree the quality of the milk and butter. To allow stock to stand or wade in the water which they are compelled to drink, unless the source be a running stream, is sure to render the water impure and add to the bad qualities natural to stagnant water many others scarcely less injurious. All pasture fields cannot have running water; but in cases where low and marshy grounds exist it is comparatively easy to dig a shallow well and provide a trough, which may be filled as occasion requires. We are aware that this is some trouble and expense, but where the question of pure milk is concerned these considerations can hardly be considered of any weight. If this matter should receive" careful attention it is probable that the common complaints of poison weeds in pastures, milksickness, etc., would be greatly lessened. American Farm Journal.