82 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



I 



countries and somewhat in this one with very satisfactory- 

 results, and that is local breeders' associations. Several bulls 

 of the same breed are owned by an association and kept in 

 different localities so that the breeders of each locality can have 

 the use of one of them. As the time approaches when it is neces- 

 sary to procure new blood to prevent in-breeding the animals are 

 exchanged and thus the greatest good from the sires is obtained 

 and each breeder has the benefit of good blood at a minimum 

 cost, and furthermore sires of unknown breeding qualities are 

 largely done away with except at such times as an animal's 

 usefulness as a breeder comes to an end and he has to be 

 replaced with a younger animal. 



In Europe and Great Britain we find in certain districts that 

 the whole attention is given to one breed of animals. There they 

 reach their highest perfection and the whole world knows where 

 to go when it wants that particular breed and type. More could 

 be accomplished here if the breeders would co-operate. If an 

 entire community would breed the same breed and type of 

 animals, much could be accomplished. There are numerous 

 details in the successful management of any business, more than 

 most minds can contain and put into operation. All breeders 

 working with the same end in view would accomplish more than 

 a few working independently. 



The methods of breeding, feeding, and general management 

 would be talked over and the whole system would tend to 

 improve the dairy conditions. In talking with a few dairymen 

 about a method like this, the objection has been raised that it 

 would lead to competition and comparatively few sales of stock. 

 It may lead to competition but I also believe it will lead to more 

 sales and better sales. The demand for cows of the right kind 

 is unlimited. The buyers will go where they know there are 

 large numbers to select from. They can afford to pay more 

 where a carload of cows that are uniform can be bought and 

 shipped from one station. We have seen this illustrated in 

 sections of Wisconsin and New York in a small way and there 

 is no reason why it could not be carried on successfully here. 



In conclusion let me say that I believe co-operation among 

 our dairjanen in grading up the herds and keeping records of the 

 breeding and production, together with intelligent feeding and 



