TRANSACTIONS OF STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 121 



of their kind as to convenience, comfort of animal, and sanitary con- 

 dition. In short, it should be to every visitor a model of its kind, and 

 show every farmer of the State what it is possible to do under a strict 

 system of order, cleanliness, and economy. It should teach the farmer 

 objectively how to grow and feed his crops, how to construct his stables, 

 and how to best care for his livestock. For the proper training of all 

 students who take any of the courses in agriculture such a farm is 

 indispensable. Lectures have their purpose, but they are made far more 

 valuable if accompanied by the practical demonstration. In fact, much 

 of the most valuable teaching cannot be done without this illustrative 

 material. It is not to be supposed that the experimental farm would 

 confine its labors and teachings to animal and dairy husbandry. It 

 should include horticulture, viticulture, and all the varied activities of 

 farm life. The farm with its orchards, flocks, and herds would form 

 the basis of experimental work, having inestimable value to all of 

 California's agriculture, and the results of which could be placed in 

 every farmer's library through the means of bulletins. 



The need of a well-equipped dairy school is very apparent. The great 

 amount of capital being invested in the dairy and creamery business 

 demands that the State shall supply a place where men may be trained 

 to economically manage these enterprises. In no way can the principles 

 underlying the manufacture of dairy products be so well taught as in 

 a dairy school thoroughly equipped with competent instructors and 

 modern appliances. Having once learned the principles, the student is 

 able to go to any portion of the country and readily apply them to any 

 set or change of conditions. The school, if properly supported, could 

 make itself strongly felt in the improvement of the manufacture of all 

 dairy products. 



The proper place for the proposed dairy school would, of course, be 

 on the experimental farm, for a portion at least of the milk needed in 

 the school could be produced at home under known conditions. More- 

 over, there would be a continual supply of milk throughout the year 

 with which to conduct experiments and utilize the dairy school equip- 

 ment in a most profitable manner. The dairy school term usually con- 

 tinues from two to three months. But with the building on the farm, 

 students who were able to devote more time could obtain a thorough 

 knowledge of the dairy business from feeding and caring for the cow to 

 the finished butter and cheese. 



The poultry industry has assumed large proportions in some portions 

 of the State, and its importance makes necessary some attention to the 

 puzzling questions concerning its future best success. While the matter 

 of breeds most adaptable to our needs may be quite well determined, 

 there are many problems in relation to feeding, incubation, diseases, and 



8— AS 



