PART I. THE FARM. 



THE FARM TO SELECT. 



Milk production may be carried on successfully on practically 

 any farm. In many cases milk is produced profitably where the only 

 property owned or occupied is a stable, as witness numerous milk- 

 men's herds in cities. While any farm suitably located is suitable 

 for milk production, some farms are undoubtedly more suitable than 

 others. 



Soil. A farm to be eminently adapted to milk production should 

 have a plentiful supply of pure water. The lay of the land should 

 be such as to permit of its being well drained. The best results may 

 be expected where the soil is of the best quality fruit dairy farming 

 can be successfully followed on almost any soil from the lightest 

 sand to the heaviest clay. 



Area. The area of arable land under crops other than pasture 

 each year should include about as many acres as it is hoped to carry 

 head of cattle when the herd has reached its maximum of size and 

 production. Too great value should not be placed on rough land for 

 pasturing purposes unless it is low-lying and fertile. 



Location. Proximity to market or factory is an important con- 

 sideration. When milk is sold long hauls are expensive. Where 

 cream is the product shipped, distance from point of delivery to 

 factory or train is not so important. When cheese or butter is manu- 

 factured on the farm, remoteness from shipping point is a minor 



consideration provided always that suitable storage conditions exist. 



i 



CROPS AND CROP ROTATIONS. 



oVops to grow. The farm having been selected it is important to 

 so handle it as to provide the cheapest supply of the most suitable 

 feeds the year round. This means plenty of succulent forage from 

 January 1 to December 31. It should also include plenty of clover 

 or some suitable substitute. As to grain crops advisable, a mixture 

 of oats, peas, and barley would probably give best results. 



