318 BOAKD OF AGKICULTUKE. 



Perhaps after all the esseatial question is— what kind of farmer are 

 we thinking of? One of our agricultural journals recently displayed in 

 its columns this suggestive question: "Are you a farmer or a soil rob- 

 ber?" The answer will be yes or no according to the ratio between the 

 acres and the cows of the farm. But it is not enough merely to keep 

 cows; the kind of cow determines the direct profit— of course the indirect 

 profit of improved soil is important— birt we want both the direct and 

 indirect profit. 



What does the farmer invest in his cow? Feed, shelter, care and a 

 purchase price. The purchase price usually indicates the quality of the 

 cow, that is, the amount and kind of pure blood she carries. It would 

 be easily demonstrated that the ratio between the purchase price and the 

 amount invested in feed, care and shelter is a shifting one. At the end 

 of five years, ten years, the greater part of the investment is in feed, 

 care and shelter— but unchanging and immutable is the potency of her 

 breeding, her quality as represented in the purchase price, as a factor in 

 profit and loss. Our farmer will find then, if he invests $1,000 in feed, 

 shelter and care, that the supremely important thing in the transaction 

 is the purchase price. of his cows; and it is for him imperative that he 

 know positively which breed is best for him on his farm. Quality inheres 

 in breed, and can not be found apart from it. No sevep cent beef is 

 sold anywhere except it cai-ries the blood of some pure breed. The mar- 

 gin between the three cent steer and the seven cent steer is wholly a 

 matter of pedigree. The profit which the farmer expects on his invest- 

 ment in feed, shelter and care depends upon his judgment in paying the 

 initial purchase price for his cows and the sire of their calves. 



In this connection I recall something I once heard Mr. Billingsley say 

 in an institute : "Go home, marshal your live stock in a procession, and 

 as it passes before you ask yourself this question, 'Does this live stock 

 represent my intelligence?' " 



In order to induce the farmers of Indiana to keep short-horn cows, 

 pure bred or high grade, we must preach the gospel of their quality, 

 their ability "to make baby beef of high quality at an economical cost. 

 We must preach the gospel of continuing with the cattle, courage and 

 patience. We must learn and give out generously the truth about feeding 

 and care. 



The most practical plan presented in regard to co-operation among 

 farmers was published in the Breeders' Gazette of December 7 and pro- 

 posed by Mr. .lohn Thompson, of Iowa, and I hope that our American 

 Short-Horn Association may find it possible to do some effective work 

 along the line suggested by Mr. Thompson. 



Mr. Lockridge: I feel that I can add very little to wliat has been 

 said by Mrs. Meredith on this very important question. When I received 

 the programme of this iiK^oting and saw that I was expected to lead in 



