IMPORTANCE OF THE DAIRY. 11 



In the State of N. Y., in 1845, it was 38 per cent, of the whole population, 

 in 1850, " 30 

 in 1855, " 30 

 in 18G0, " 29 

 in 1865, " 30 

 in 1870, " 31 



It is not, therefore, the comparatively large number of cows 

 that gives the dairy interest its greater importance. The 

 ratio between cows and inhabitants changes so slowly, that it 

 is altogether probable that it does not differ much to-day 

 from what it was in 1860 and 1870. The quantity of milk 

 per cow has probably increased a little in the Eastern and 

 Middle States, but this does not account for the unusual 

 attention which dairy products are receiving. It is the com- 

 paratively higher price and relatively greater value the- 

 products of milk have recently assumed, added to the greater 

 certainty of uniform annual returns and the diminished wear 

 upon the soil, that have made the business of dairying attrac- 

 tive, and given it a leading position in the commerce of the- 

 country. When I commenced dairying, cheese sold for seven, 

 cents a pound, and butter from sixteen to eighteen cents. 

 Now, the same products command more than double those 

 prices. Such an increase in price is well calculated to make 

 a business interesting. 



The amount of milk required to make a pound of butter or 

 cheese has been a little diminished, and so has the cost of 

 manufacturing, and this will nearly offset for the greater cost 

 of milk production, leaving an increased margin for profit. 

 The price of other agricultural products has also increased in 

 the same time, but not in the same proportion. The greater 

 value given to dairy products, by reason of improved methods 

 of manufacture, is what has brought the business of dairying 

 to the front of agricultural pursuits, and made its importance 

 felt in commerce. Its products in the United States, accord- 

 ing to the estimates of the Butter and Cheese Exchange of 

 New York, are now $500,000,000 annually. The large pro- 

 portions it has assumed have compelled respect from all 

 parties, and the increased profits from improved quality have 

 led its more enterprising votaries to unite their efforts in the 

 common cause of further advances in value,, by means of still 



