ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN's ASSOCIATION. 69 



Once more is heard the merry jingle of the ''almighty dol- 

 lar " in his pocket, with the comforting assurance that the 

 dairy industry is second to none. Little did our Puritan 

 ancestors look forward to the day and generation when the 

 mother country would stretch forth her hands in want to 

 her exiled children, who are to-day proud to send her food 

 and raiment. How providential in her straightened circum- 

 stances, that they can supply her every need from their 

 abundance. Our depression for the last three years forced 

 us to great exertions. We must make wonderful improve- 

 ment to be able to sell our wares. 



Over-production of inferior articles made them a drug 

 upon our hands. With this mortifying result before us, 

 and, to be second to none in the merit of our goods, are the 

 reasons that to-day we find a ready and remunerative mar- 

 ket. In the flush of our success we must not rest upon our 

 laurels, but press forward to h.igher aims in this direction, 

 and gain greater achievements. And this industry is com- 

 plete and separate from the ordinary house-keeping, which, 

 when combined, serve to make one's life a constant round 

 of duties. It is a nice point, and no ordinary study and 

 exertion is requited to mingle with the world socially or 

 religiously. True, where the milk is carried to a factory, 

 there is less work for the house than where there is a home 

 dairy. Yet the utensils (which are many) must be purified 

 with exquisite care. Eyes, nose and hands of the house- 

 keeper are brought into requisition. Eyes to see that every 

 point is reached, nose to assure herself all is perfectly 

 sweet, and hands to accomplish the whole. Possibly the 

 tongue, with suggestions in reference to cleanliness, manner 

 of milking and care of apartments occupied by " Brindle " 

 and " Snowflake." 



Milking is an accomplishment I would earnestly advise 

 the dairyman's wife not to cultivate. . She would not be, 

 like Mrs. Toodle's eccentricities, " so handy to have in the 

 house," but so handy to have in the stables on occasions. 

 But friendly relations with the calves is to prolong their 

 existence, and a financial success. Patient, exceeding 

 patient, tender care. The little creatures are too often con- 

 sidered obstinate because they do not readily do that which 

 nature has never required of them — drink some sour mix- 

 ture that mortal is pleased to expect them to thrive upon. 

 The circumlocution and gymnastic exercise necessary, and 



