ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



I have been caring for cows ever since, almost before, I was 

 able to care for myself. I have cared for cows when I didn't 

 ha^'e a care in the world save the care of these cows. And, again, 

 I have cared for cows, when the cows' cares were no cares to me, 

 and wdien I didn't care whetlier the old cows were cared for or 

 not. 



But today the care and comfort of my herd is my chief and' 

 greatest concern. 



I presume that you will grant me that the object in caring 

 for your herd is to derive profit. You will also grant that the 

 profits derived will depend upon the care given. It becomes ap- 

 parent at once then, that the success of your herd will depend 

 upon the attention it receives. 



The first important item that suggests itself to my mind, is 

 the disposition of the person who works with the herd. One who 

 is cross-grained and rough should have no place in a herd of 

 dairy cows. Gentleness and kindness are absolutely essential and 

 necessary qualifications of a dairyman. 



The herdsman should have the confidence of every individual 

 in the herd. He should be able to handle and caress them at any 

 time and place, and to pass among them without exciting the 

 least curiosity or uneasiness. 



In fact, he should be a part of the herd, noting the varying 

 moods and quick to discern anything abnormal. 



To properly care for your herd, there are a number of things 

 which you must necessarily have, and a number more that are 

 quite convenient to have. 



Among the necessary things may be mentioned, barns, feed, 

 water and a large supply of good judgment. 



The barn should be large ; it should be warm, convenient and 

 well ventilated. The storage capacity ought to be sufficiently 

 large to hold the entire winter's feed. 



It is a troublesome and unpleasant task, when one is com- 

 pelled to haul feed during the winter months, even on the bright- 

 est days, and it usually happens that the very worst days are the 

 ones on which you find your mow to be empty. 



