DAIRY MEETING. 53 



men's Association, when I know that many if not all of you are 

 members of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and as such, 

 as well as members of the Maine Dairymen's Association, Dex- 

 ter Grange bids you welcome, knowing that this meeting will be 

 of mutual benefit. The value of the dairy products of our 

 country for 1907 was in round numbers $800,000,000. And in 

 1908 there is a great increase over the preceding year. This 

 industry is becoming a great factor to successful agriculture. 

 Especially is this true of INIaine, and in no section more so than 

 in this and the surrounding towns, which furnish the products 

 to supply the two creameries located in Dexter. Successful 

 dairying means successful agriculture, and successful agriculture 

 means greater prosperity along all lines of business. It means 

 better homes and a higher standard of living, and tonight we 

 that are engaged in the dairy industry welcome your association, 

 realizing the great work it is doing in educating the farmers in 

 the science of dairying, and teaching them to put their products 

 upon the market in such form and condition that the consump- 

 tion is constantly on the increase, with an increased value to the 

 producer. We know that from such men as you have to speak 

 to us at this meeting we shall receive great benefit. And there 

 is another reason why we should welcome you tonight, as you 

 bring with you a member to respond to these feeble words who 

 has done much for the dairy interests of Dexter and the State, 

 rounding out a long, successful life in imparting useful infor- 

 mation to others. Brother Gilbert is the Godfather of one of 

 Dexter's dairy industries, the Enterprise Creamery Company. 

 This is purely a co-operative creamery, organized and main- 

 tained by the farmers, thus illustrating the true principles of 

 co-operation. Before we were organized Brother Gilbert was 

 asked to come here and give us words of advice. He did so, 

 and while he told us all the pitfalls and obstacles we might 

 €ncounter, he said that he firmly believed in the principles of 

 co-operation and advised us to go ahead; and that advice had 

 much influence in the organization of the Creamery Company, 

 which, under the efficient management of William Bradford has 

 ever done a safe and increasing business. 



In closing I will say, as president of that corporation, I feel 

 tonight like ignoring the other members of the Maine Dairy- 



