204 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE, 



cerning the sale of dairy products and I would recommend that 

 hereafter the efforts of the department be directed toward the 

 investigation of suspected violations of the dairy laws and when 

 wilful violations are found to exist, that prosecutions be made. 



It was my privilege during a part of September and October 

 to study dairy conditions and methods in the states of Minne- 

 sota, Wisconsin and Michigan. I spent nearly all of the time 

 with representatives of the dairy and food departments of those 

 states in the field, observing actual inspections of creameries, 

 cheese factories, dairies and city milk supplies. In each state 

 a day was spent at the agricultural colleges and experiment 

 stations. In Wisconsin a part of one day was given up to a 

 visit to Ex-Gov. Hoard at Prospect Farm, and I consider that 

 to be one of the most profitable days I spent in the West. 



In Michigan, my work included the visiting of members of 

 Cow Test Associations and investigation of their organization 

 and practical workings. I also investigated and became con- 

 vinced of the value of local breeders' associations such as have 

 been organized in W^isconsin. 



Considerable interest is being developed in these associations 

 here in INIaine and efforts should be made to organize one or 

 more during the coming year. 



While there has been a slight loss in the number of cows in 

 the State during the past year, there has been an average 

 increase in the price received by the farmers for their dairy 

 products, so that the actual cash received for their dairy prod- 

 ucts has been quite largely increased. The loss in number of 

 cows can be accounted for in some communities by the fact 

 that local buyers have been constantly buying and shipping 

 cows to Massachusetts markets. The development of the Cow 

 Test Association will tend, at least, to keep the best cows at 

 home. 



In closing I wish to express my appreciation of the many 

 courtesies and the hearty co-operation I have received at the 

 hands of the agricultural and daily press, the granges, the dairy- 

 men of the State and all agricultural workers, as well as your- 

 self. 



Respectfully submitted, 



LEON S. MERRILL, 



State Dairy Instructor. 



