EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART V 315 



In some instances members kept records on as high as 18 cows. 

 An essay explaining the work was prepared at the end of the three 

 months. 



The manner of grading the reports was based upon the efforts 

 put forth by the contestants and not upon the production of the 

 cows. Any changes which improved the rations, or made the pro- 

 duction of milk more economical were reeo^gnized, but it was re- 

 alized that the contestants had no opportunity to select the cows 

 with which they were required to work. 



Eight pure bred dairy bull calves, two of each of the Ayrshire, 

 Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey breeds, were awarded to those 

 standing highest in the work. Twenty additional cash prizes were 

 awarded. 



SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND CONTESTS. 



At all the meetings promoted by the Association itself school 

 programs were held. In many instances the rural schools were 

 dismissed and the students attended the assembly meetings which 

 were held in the largest town schoolhouse. At these, general lec- 

 tures on the importance of agricultural training with special ref- 

 erence to dairying were given. 



At the completion of the lectures at the higli school, the students 

 accompanied by the instructors, were taken to the bam where 

 the cattle for the community dairy shows were kept, and instruc- 

 tion given in judging. The cow demonstration was given first to 

 explain the characteristics of the correct type of dairy cow. Then 

 the boys and girls were supplied with directions and all required 

 to compare the class of animals brought before them. After in- 

 specting the animals for twenty minutes, the students wrote their 

 placing together with the reasons for same on the direction sheet 

 and these were handed to the lecturer in charge. Discussions were 

 then held and all questions answered. 



The business men at the various towns gave prizes for the boys 



and girls who excelled in judging. The students generally were 



very much interested in the work and expressed a desire to study 



their agricultural work in school in a similar way. During the 



winter of 1916-1917 nearly 5,000 boys and girls were reached in 



this manner. 



OTHER WORK. 



During the spring and fall months when the work is urgent on 

 the farm and it is therefore difficult to hold meetings, bulletins 

 are sent to the local newspapers. These contain timely suggestions 



