ON AGRICULTURE TO DENMARK 63 



the climate and the purpose. All these breeds, however, receive 

 the support and encouragement of Government. 



A Country Show 



At Skanderborg show visited by the Commission, where 240 

 head of stock were on exhibition, there were 84 bulls. Of these 

 about one-third received premiums ranging from £4 to £5. These 

 premiums are given to all bulls of a certain standard, and carry 

 no restrictions as to fees or service. In the younger classes, bulls 

 are judged by their individual appearance only. In the older 

 class above three years, while judged 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., for 

 individual appearance, the premiums are granted to bulls according 

 to their progeny, those of five years and over must have three 

 years' stock, ten from the first season, twelve from the second, and 

 fourteen from the third. These are judged before the show, and 

 premiums awarded accordingly. In this class we saw some very 

 old bulls shown and getting premiums on account of the quality 

 of their stock. The first prize bull in this class was an excellent 

 animal. These old bulls are shown in what is known as the 

 State class. The premiums are given by Government, and the 

 bulls come from all over the country or province. In the younger 

 class only local exhibitors compete. Half the prize money is given 

 by Government, and half by local contribution. The cows were 

 shown in groups of two and five in a lot, and premiums given 

 according to size of farm to the best lots, for the encouragement 

 of breeding. The cows were quite true to type, but none of those 

 shown on this particular occasion were recorded in the Herd Book. 

 Nor is any bull allowed into " the Herd Book until he produces 

 stock. The cattle were all shown in natural condition. 



The Stimulus of Co-operation 



The development of cattle for milk production began with the 

 introduction of creameries, some thirty years ago. The lead in the 

 movement was taken by the larger farmers, but the impetus to 

 breeding in all departments given by co-operation is one of the 

 features of Danish life which impressed us greatly. It operates 

 powerfully in improving the class of stock bred, especially by the 

 small holders. A body of these small farmers desire to have a good 

 bull. They approach the Government stock expert in their district, 

 and on his advice a bull is selected. Each member of the union 

 contributes so much per cow. The bull is placed at a convenient 

 centre, and the farmer there paid for his keep. The service for a 

 cow to any outsider, if allowed, is about 2s. to 2s. 3d. The effect 

 of this system has been to greatly improve the cattle on small 

 holdings, where an average of 7000 lbs. (or 700 gallons of milk) 

 per annum per cow is no uncommon thing. From 74,600 cows in 

 Fyen last year the average yield was 5500 Danish pounds of milk, 

 each 26 '2 lbs. of which gave 1 lb. of butter. 



