No. 4.] MILCH COWS. 27 



observe, the lessons which claim attention at the present 

 moment. These closing days of 1897 bring- us face to face 

 with complex conditions and relations, whether in the field 

 of commerce or agriculture. Competition is spreading its 

 net-work of feeders into most remote sections, and com- 

 pelling the eastern farmer and breeder to prepare for a 

 sharper contest than the past has ever known. Iron bands 

 are reaching out. Space is being annihilated, and sections 

 remote a few days ago are brought near to-day, and made to 

 contribute to the great cry for daily food. 



The abnormal development of maternal functions in 

 animals is wasting nerve force witli tremendous rapidity, 

 and diseases once unnoticed creep into flock and herd 

 unbidden and unwelcome. Dealing, as you are, with the 

 food of support for so large, and yet so weak, a portion of 

 humanity, the question of health as well as production faces 

 you to-day as never before. 



Driven by competition to seek the largest possible output, 

 you must, by a study of harmonious conditions and relations, 

 seek also, and with the same wise energy and constant study, 

 the health of every individual animal under your care. 



As breeders, distinct characteristics are to be preserved, 

 and for success the fact of normal health, unequalled vitality, 

 large production and constant service must take the place oc- 

 cupied in some measure by fancy markings and symmetrical 

 proportions. The cow of to-morrow must be strong, vigorous, 

 able and 'willing, and with the great majority breed will here- 

 after be subordinated to these four essentials. 



Are we creatures of circumstances ? Yes ; but we make 

 the circumstances, which are the stepping-stones of progress. 

 We are controlled by our environments, but these too are 

 largely our creations, or come by our neglect. 



The cow is the creature of her environment, not willingly, 

 but by reason of subjugation to the will of her owner. She 

 but speaks the thought and purpose of her controlling 

 power, as she in return acts and reacts to control herself. 

 Here is the dual purpose to which reference has already 

 been made. 



Man is at the head. Circumstances, environments and 

 conditions are the tests of manhood, the measure of capacity. 



