BUTTER. 209 



It will be found, however, that the adoption of this new plan will 

 he of areatei* benefit to the owners of a few cows, and those who are 

 not A-ery good butter-makers, than to the owners of fine dairies of 

 special reputation. The preniiuai butter-makers of the town can't 

 be expected to be the first to go into the new movement. But only 

 one farm in a hundred produces premium butter, and so, seeking 

 the good of the greatest number, it is to the ninety and nine that we 

 may first appeal. Still, when these factories have been introduced, 

 it is found that the very best dairies of the community have soon 

 joined in contributing their cream. 



It is to-da3- true of uew England, as it is of old England and, 

 indeed, of all old farming districts, that the broad and fertile acres 

 of new lands, by competition in grain growing and somewhat in 

 grazing, force upon us some readjustment of our system of agricul- 

 ture. We need a higher state of cultivation upon fewer acres, more 

 land in grass and more live stock. Increase in the live stock, if it 

 can be profitabl}' carried, brings all other needed changes. 



This plan of associated butter-making seems to me to be specially 

 adapted to those parts of New England where butter is made in the 

 greatest quantity, and where the monej^ returns are the least satis- 

 factory. I cannot advise any to join in such an enterprise, w4io 

 make butter at home which is sure to command, the year round, a 

 price above the highest market quotations. There are a great many 

 such, but all cannot become " gilt-edged " butter-makers, and com- 

 pete in this very limited and uncertain " fancy" market. The great 

 majority of countrj- butter-makers, therefore, should welcome any 

 system which tends to save care and labor, raise the qualit}- of the 

 products, and increase the profits. 



