234 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN CATTLE. 



chance to build up on the succulent pasture, and sufficient time after to get in 

 nice shape for exhibition. When in milk they should be fed twice a day in 

 sufficient quantities as to keep up the flow of milk and the system. In older 

 animals the object should be almost the same as with young animals to keep 

 them in good, healthy condition, and if pasture becomes scarce, add other foods 

 to keep up the condition and the flow of milk. We don't want dairy animals 

 (females) to enter the ring fat (it tells against them), but in nice condition, and 

 in the pink of health ; they must look thrifty. To strike a medium is about 

 right. I have seen dairy cattle too thin for exhibition. Such animals should 

 never be brought out ; they are a disgrace to the breed and breeder. While we 

 allow cows heavy in milk to be rather thin, it will not do with young stock. 

 The public will judge the breed, not the conditions. 



"Males should be in good condition always; however, not too beefy. Feed 

 to keep a good coat and rich, mellow skin. Give exercise, but not to excess ; 

 keep the feet in proper trim. Bulls will not thrive when their feet are sore, 

 and they soon will become sore if care is not taken. They should be laid down, 

 and trimmed from the bottom. Wash cattle with soap and water thoroughly, 

 rinse well, and blanket, a day before going to exhibition. We never use a 

 blanket before. If an animal's coat won't get in proper shape for the ring after 



TIRA.NNIA. 



a few days' blanketing there is something wrong and it should be left at home. 

 However, grooming will always help to make them comfortable and improve 

 their coats, and cattle that are stabled should be groomed regularly. 



" In conclusion, would say, make the right selection ; show your cattle in 

 a good, healthy condition ; aim not to have them too fat ; while we allow it 

 with males, it is never admissible with females. If a dairy animal has the 

 proper treatment from calfhood, and the correct breeding, there is no reason 

 why any animal intended for breeding purposes should be ruined by being fit- 

 ted for exhibition. The aim and object should always be to secure early 

 development, but not to impair their future usefulness. 



" Much as I admire the care and attention of the skillful breeder and feeder 

 whose sole object is to promote growth and pile on flesh, and much as I 

 admire the results of such labor, I question very much if it pays even with the 

 beef breeds, while it surely will injure their future usefulness as breeders. 

 The best breed and most valuable animal is often ruined as a breeder, while 

 the milking qualities are surely injured and often destroyed. Dairy cattle 

 must be judged on points. Any man that does not judge in that way has no 



