CHAPTER SIXTEEN 



THE HERD AND THE DAIRY 



Then at the dairy's cool retreat, 

 The busy maids together meet ; 



The careful mistress sees 

 Some tend with skillful hand the churns, 

 While the thick cream to butter turns, 



And some the curdling cheese. 



- JANE TAYLOR 



" PROBABLY there is no other farm animal in which The value 

 boys and girls are so vitally interested as the dairy 

 cow. Their health, happiness, and often life itself de- 

 pend upon intelligent care of this useful animal." 1 

 Scientists have shown that a plentiful supply of milk is Danger 

 necessary to the health and especially to the growth of 

 children. They have also proved that milk from un- 

 healthy cows or milk improperly handled may cause 

 disease. In the past few years great improvements 

 have been made both in the quality of dairy cattle and 

 in the methods of caring for milk and milk products. 



Breeds of cattle. All of our domestic cattle originated Origin of 

 in Europe. The Holstein-Friesians (or Holsteins) came p a i P d a ^y~ 

 from Holland ; Jerseys and Guernseys came from islands breeds 

 in the English Channel ; and Ayrshires from Scotland. 

 These are called dairy breeds to distinguish them from 

 the beef breeds, which give very little milk but make a 

 great deal more and better beef when dressed. 



The Herefords or "white-faced cattle," which were Beef breeds 

 developed in Herefordshire, England, are a good 

 example of a beef breed. All the beef breeds are 



1 Arthur D. Cromwell/ A gricidture and Life. 

 251 



