s is clear milk, as it comes warm and fresh from
the cow. This is never omitted, as the milk during most of that time
possesses certain qualities which are necessary to the calf, and which
cannot be effectually supplied by any other food. In the third or fourth
week the milk is skimmed, but warmed to the degree of fresh milk;
though, as the calf grows a little older, the milk is given cold, while
less care is taken to give it the milk of its own mother, that of other
cows now answering equally well. In some places, calves are fed on
buttermilk at the age of two weeks and after; but the change from new
milk, fresh from the cow, is made gradually, some sweet skimmed milk and
warm water being first added to it.

At three weeks old, or thereabouts, the calf will begin to eat a little
sweet, fine hay, and potatoes cut fine, and it very soon becomes
accustomed to this food. Many now begin to give linseed-meal mixed into
hot water, to which is added some skim-milk or buttermilk; and others
use a little bran cooked in hay-tea, made by chopping the hay fine and
pouring on boiling-hot water, which is allowed to stand awhile on it. An
egg is frequently broken into such a mixture. Others still take pains at
this age to have fresh linseed-cake, broken into pieces of the size of a
pigeon's egg; putting one of these into the mouth after the meal of milk
has been finished, and when it is eager to suck at any thing in its way.
It will very soon learn to eat linseed-meal. A little sweet clover is
put in its way at the age of about three weeks, and it will soon begin
to eat that also.

In this manner the feeding is continued from the fourth to the seventh
week, the quantity of solid food being gradually increased. In the sixth
or seventh week the milk is by degrees withheld, and water or buttermilk
used instead; and soon after this, green food may be safely given,
increasing it gradually with the hay to the age of ten or twelve weeks,
when it will do to put them upon grass alone, if the season is
favorable. A lot as near the house as possible, where they can be easily
looked after and frequently visited, is the best. Calves should be
gradually accustomed to all changes; and even after having been turned
out to pasture, they ought to be put under shelter if the weather is not
dry and warm. The want of care and attention relative to these little
details will be apparent sooner or later; while, if the farmer gives his
personal attention to