22 



THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



differently. The heavy breeds of beef 

 cattle are usually phlegmatic in disposi- 

 tion, paying but little attention to ordi- 

 nary disturbances; these suffered less in 

 consequence, though it was noticed that 

 they did not benefit from the quantity of 

 feed as they should. Milch cows of a 

 highly nervous organization are more sus- 

 ceptible to incipient diseases caused by 

 objectionable surroundings than any other 

 domestic animal. Not until progressive 

 scientific men spent much time and money 

 in investigations and experiments was the 

 trouble traced to its true source. 



Analyzing stable atmosphere led to the 

 detection of harmful backteria in incredu- 

 lous numbers. Scientists engaged in the 

 work were slow to give out the result of 

 their first investigations, thinking that 

 the conditions under which they were 

 working might be abnormal. Prospecting 

 further and while endeavoring to learn the 

 cause they found conditions in these cel- 

 lar stables particularly favorable to the 

 propagation of stockmen's worst enemy. 

 Harmful bacteria delight in a dusty at- 

 mosphere especially when it is impreg- 

 nated with moisture, when a share of the 

 dampness comes from the moisture laden 

 breath of animals that are obliged to 

 breathe the same air over and over again, 

 bacteria conditions are complete. 



Bank barns are always damp and always 

 dusty; owing to their construction they 

 never admit sunlight in quantities, suffi- 

 cient to be any use. Sunlight is destruc- 

 tive to all forms of harmful bacteria there- 

 fore a stable properly constructed should 

 admit the direct rays of sun to every stall 

 if possible. 



Great progress has been made during 

 recent years in stable construction, look- 

 ing to the complete elimination of the 

 troubles as set forth along these lines. 



A model stable on the Exposition 

 grounds, in which is confined, a number 

 of different breeds of the best dairy cattle 

 in America, will demonstrate to the mil- 



lions of Pan-American visitors, how a 

 really good stable may be constructed at a 

 low cost, that is warm in winter, cool in 

 summer, and sanitary and hygienic at all 

 times. 



Public opinion backed by government 

 milk inspection has resolved into a strict 

 censure of dirty, antiquated methods. 

 City milk supply is now traced to its 

 source, the cows examined for condition 

 and health, and the stable for cleanliness. 

 If incompetency or indifference has led 

 the dairyman to disobey the state sanitary 

 requirements, he is not permitted to ship 

 his milk until he satifies the inspector 

 that he has mended his ways. This 

 course was made necessary by the rapidly 

 increasing volume of business which is 

 conducted by such a cosmopolitan class of 

 people, comprising as it does, all grades of 

 producers from the most progressive far- 

 mer down the line of small dairymen to 

 the ignorant huckster. Cleanliness is re- 

 quired by inspectors first, last and all the 

 time; thus, making the right start for 

 cleanliness, leads to many virtues. A 

 man who is particular about all utensils, 

 his wagon, stable, cattle and himself, will 

 not tolerate a poor stable or an unhealthy 

 cow. He may not understand the science 

 of ferments or disease germs, but his milk 

 supply will be good and wholesome, be- 

 cause he robs harmful bacteria of the dirt 

 upon which they thrive. 



The proper location for a dairy stable is 

 one of the most important considerations 

 in the construction of the most important 

 adjunct to the dairy business. To be 

 able to start right it is necessary to con- 

 sider the subject from different stand- 

 points. Fresh air and a plentiful supply 

 of pure water, good drainage, protection 

 from cold winds, plenty of sunshine and 

 convenience in regard to feeding arrange- 

 ments, are the essential features to be con- 

 sidered. 



Fresh air and drainage may be provided 

 by selecting an elevation. Protection 



