34 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



definite form, becomes more real, and through this environ- 

 ment the cow yields to the wish of her owner. It is impos- 

 sible for improvement save through our ideals ; and to fix 

 them clearly and distinctly in mind, so that consciously and 

 unconsciously they will exert their influence, requires a large 

 appreciation of the fundamentals expressed in structure. 

 Study variations in form, not in general, but detail, and with 

 an eye single to purpose. Note the effect upon temperament, 

 and finally production. Search for the machine constructed 

 throughout to perform the largest possible service with the 

 least waste of energy, and on that build mental activity by 

 judicious development of mental powers. Cows are ma- 

 chines ; like clay in the hands of the potter, they are to be 

 moulded and fashioned ; but over and above this there lies 

 the fact that they are intelligent beings, and that production 

 depends greatly upon the measure of education. 



Nature stands waiting to reveal her secrets. All down the 

 ages has she been knocking at the door of man's intelligence, 

 asking admittance. In the roar of the thunder and flash of 

 the lightning she has voiced her power, until man arose to 

 the conception of the fact that she was bidding him harness 

 with silken cords the giant forces and use them for his ad- 

 vancement. So through individual animals she has been 

 bidding us enter and occupy the broader field of production, 

 come up higher into the larger conception of life, its uses and 

 purposes ; and as men have, here and there, answered the 

 call, nature has linked arms with them for results before im- 

 possible. Accidents were these, but they whispered possi- 

 bilities to the aspiring breeder as he sought to fix the channel 

 of their production and make it strong for future generations. 

 Good business to-day demands a clearer insight into the 

 gospel of cow structure, that, first of all, men may come to 

 see more clearly, have a better appreciation of what they now 

 have, and open the door to larger returns from individuals. 

 There must be an uplift of thought and purpose as to what is 

 possible, as well as a sharper insight into the fundamental 

 truth at the core. Out of all this will flow results, and 

 conditions will be controlled. 



Centuries ago Michael Angelo wrought his ideals upon the 

 old cathedrals of Rome until his head grew back upon his 



