300 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE- 



The cow population of the State has been reduced during 

 the last few years on account of the short hay crops. Dairy- 

 men have been weeding out the unprofitable ones, and while 

 our numbers are less, the quality was never better, and we 

 might add, never higher in price. 



The high prices for dairy products make a good young cow 

 worth from $40.00 to $85.00 and even higher. 



It will be noticed by the report that the average payment for 

 condemned cattle is $33.41, while the limit of appraisal is 

 $50.00, and in practice every owner is inclined to think that 

 he should be entitled to a full appraisal. 



Much time has been spent by the Commissioners in person, 

 in making appraisals, and the cold figures will speak for them- 

 selves, as to whether they have succeeded in keeping down the 

 price and still leaving the owner in a satisfied condition of 

 mind. 



To the owner also, much credit must be given for the rea- 

 sonable manner in which he has met the situation ; for finan- 

 cially he has been a severe loser. The cost has not been en- 

 tirely upon the State; it has been a hard situation for every- 

 body ; but we believe that the results justify the expenditures. 

 No state in the Union is freer from the disease tuberculosis ; 

 no other state, save one, kills every tuberculous cow that it 

 finds. They isolate and quarantine, sterilize the product, brand 

 the diseased cattle, and seek by various means to get along 

 without destroying. 



We believe that it is a wrong method and that the percent- 

 age of disease increases daily under such a system. 



The dairyman is entitled to the protection of the State to 

 assist him in combatting a disease which he cannot combat 

 alone. The consumer is entitled to the protection of the State 

 in assisting him in securing the product of the healthy cow. 

 The wealth and welfare of the State are increased therebv. 



