DAIRY MEETING. 12/ 



The delicate business of a dairy cow demands that those who 

 care for her shall be as kind, gentle, and quiet as possible. This 

 is perhaps even more true of pure bred stock than it is of scrubs. 



The cleaner and more perfect the breeding of a cow, the more 

 sensitive she becomes to ill treatment, and the quicker she re- 

 sponds to kindness and attention. 



It is not the kind of food alone or the amount that is fed, that 

 makes the herd sleek and contented. Mark you ! kindness, a 

 comfortable bed. and a clean barn will do much. 



I was much interested, recently, in a picture that appeared in 

 "Hoard's Dairyman" entitled "Two Ways." This picture taught 

 a lesson worth remembering. 



If we would improve or build up our dairy herd w^e should be 

 continually selecting our best. Every progressive dairyman 

 should learn the necessity of picking out and disposing of the 

 poor or unprofitable cows. There are many cows even in pure 

 bred herds that are only worthy of being sent to the butcher's 

 block. 



Nothing will prove a safer guide in this weeding out process 

 than to weigh the milk, and test it for butter-fat. 1 am very sure 

 that if we could persuade every farmer to make these tests, there 

 would be a large number of herds for sale, and the demand for 

 pure bred stock would be even greater than it is today. 



One thing more, — we must look well to the health of our dairy 

 herd. We cannot afford to use or sell milk that comes from a 

 cow that shows any form of disease. We can buy healthy cattle, 

 and we can largely keep them so. if we will supply pure air and 

 sunshine as well as good food and water. I had a pleasant call 

 the other evening from a doctor who was prepared to furnish us 

 Avith a "Bovovaccine," that is, he claimed to be able to vaccinate 

 our calves when under three months of age and make them im- 

 mune to the dread disease tuberculosis. The day was when peo- 

 ple did not believe it necessary to vaccinate children to prevent 

 smallpox, but experience has made many converts. 



Possibly science is ready to protect our cattle, and in a few 

 years make it impossible to find tuberculosis in any vaccinated 

 herd. Would we not all hail with joy the coming of such a day ! 

 May it come speedily ! 



In conclusion. I say what might have well been said first. Suc- 

 cess in building up a dairy herd will depend verv largely upon 



