Cowbells

With every bite they take, cow music they make.

     I noted the musical sound of cowbells as I walked to Lac Leman. An editorial in the Sunday paper presented views of the cruelty or kindness of cowbells. The author ended by observing that the cows had not been asked for their opinions. Actually, evidence was offered that cows rely on the bells to identify members of their herd.

      Horrifyingly, the last two Sunday papers have included summaries of the dozen deliberately set fires that have killed cows, horses and ponies, as well as hay and other crops, in the farming country north of Lac Leman.

     The farmers are depressed and frightened. These are not factory farms and the families know the cows as individuals --- milking them twice a day. The farmers have taken to leaving their barn doors open, so that if there should be another fire, the cows can escape.

     Psychologists have pointed out that there are two kinds of fire-setters: incendiaries set single fires for revenge. Pyromaniacs are addicted to the thrill of their work, and act in serial fashion.

     With the uncertainty of weather and prices, the stress of all night vigils isn't what the farmers need.