DAIRY AND SEED IMPROVEMENT MEETINGS. 249 



COW. From these records he can tell accurately the cost of 

 maintenance and the value of the products. When a dairyman 

 finds that some of his cows are not bringing in any profit he 

 should dispose of them at once, for an extra surplus of pro- 

 ducts on the markets tends to lower the price. It takes a little 

 time to keep these records but it pays, for without them the 

 dairyman cannot tell which of his cows are doing the best 

 work. This point is often shown in buying and selling. Many 

 times a buyer will step into a barn to look over some cows that 

 are for sale. If the man is not keeping records the cows that 

 he has to sell are usually his inferior looking ones, but he has 

 no way of telling how much work these animals are doing and 

 he may lose money by Sielling them at a low price. 



If any dairyman wishes to have pure bred animals, he can 

 get them if he will only make the effort. A beginner in reg- 

 istered stock should not breed and buy stock on its pedigree 

 alone but should make a study of the family merit and dairy 

 record. The pedigree should be supported by uniform excel- 

 lence in the family. Animals that are bought under these 

 conditions cost more, but it pays. Successful dairying has proved 

 that the greatest profit comes from the best cows, whatever 

 their breed. It is better to pay three hundred dollars for three 

 good cows, than to go out and buy four or five of only average 

 quality. The former animals would also raise the average 

 value of the herd. In buying registered animals one should 

 only deal with men that have a reputation as good breeders 

 whose honesty has been proven. It has often been said that 

 the best part of a pedigree is the name of the breeder. 



One of the most important points in selecting animals for 

 the foundation of the herd, is to be sure they have a strong 

 constitution and are vigorous and healthy. Every animal should 

 be tuberculin tested. Breeding and raising the animals to keep 

 up the herd, and not allowing any strange animals to come on 

 the farm, is the best way to keep out diseases. On every farm 

 where a large herd is kept, there should be a small building 

 apart from the rest to be used for diseased animals, that should 

 be kept apart from the rest of the herd. Every member of the 

 herd should be examined at least once a day by the owner or 

 his assistant, to note the least symptoms of disorders, dullness, 

 loss of appetite, rough coat, etc. Therefore experience is needed 



