ELEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XI 



639 



In the method used by the cow-testing associations the total difference 

 for a nine-year period is in no case over 2 per cent from the actual yield. 



When we consider that the cow-testing association method means 

 the weighing and testing of the milk just one day a month, and that 

 the results are as close to the actual as above stated, we must conclude 

 that the records of performance as found by the cow-testing association 

 method are sufficiently accurate to enable the dairyman to weed out his 

 unprofitable cows. 



MEETINGS. 



The associations hold monthly meetings for the discussion of topics 

 of interest to dairymen. A programme committee selects from the 

 members one or two to lead in the discussion, and occasionally outside 

 speakers are invited. The meetings are usually held at the homes of 

 the members and often take the form of a picnic. On such occasions 

 there is free discussion and many valua'ble ideas are exchanged. After 

 lunch a tour is made of the farm, and the crops as well as live stock 

 and buildings are inspected. 



GROWTH IN THE UNITED STATES. 



The following table shows the growth of the movement in the United 

 States: 



NUMBER OF COW-TESTING ASSOCIATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1905 TO 1910. 



Perhaps the most important result of the cow-testing associations is 

 the increased interest which members take in their work. Farm work, 

 consisting as it does in large part of manual labor, is apt to become 

 monotonous unless there is an intelligent interest in the operations and 

 unless the farmer has something special in view. The monthly visit of 

 the cow tester stimulates this interest; and while the primary object 



