148 THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF 



freely until she calves. It is one of the un- 

 certainties of dairying that some cows fre- 

 quently yield large quantities of milk for some 

 weeks after calving, then gradually fall off, 

 while others which yield a less quantity 

 after calving maintain their yield for a 

 greater length of time. It is for this 

 reason that it is so important to learn 

 what has been accomplished by the 

 parent stock; and hence the inference that 

 pedigree tells. 



In breeding calves the small holder is 

 frequently at a disadvantage. He cannot 

 keep a bull, and it may happen that there is 

 no stud bull in the neighbourhood which is 

 sufficiently good for his purpose. In breeding, 

 therefore, he must rely upon his own efforts 

 to find the animal that he requires, and, having 

 found it, he should not hesitate to pay a 

 liberal fee if it is demanded. The calves 

 which the four cows will drop in due course 

 should be of great value if the bull is all 

 that could be desired, but should the 

 owner carelessly put his cows to a bull 

 with no milking character he might as 

 well give his calves away, for they would 

 be of little value. There is always a de- 

 mand for first- class dairy stock, hence, by 



