26 ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



After listening to a paper on ''The Care of Cows" one 

 might be inchned to think that the hfe of a dairyman is all care. 

 Some people actually find it so, aside from the profits deri\ed. 

 However, I feel safe in saying that the best dairyme:^. in the 

 State of Illinois are dairymen not on account of necessity or 

 obligation, but by reason of choice and preference. 



For my part, I find a great pleasure in looking after my 

 herd. It is a pleasure to look dow^i the long feeding aisles where 

 every cow is alert and busy with her feed. When by chance y ju 

 go into the stables late at night, what is prettier than that long- 

 row of cows, lying in the soft bedding, dry, warm and com- 

 fortable. 



And again, when in the golden hours of summer, seeking 

 rest and quiet, you walk down through the old woods pasture. 

 where the bluegrass covers your feet at every step ; where the 

 shade of the ash, the oak and the elm of the hillsides is cool and 

 inviting; where the winds whisper and sing of joys undenied: 

 where the flowing, rippling stream before you reflects the im:ige 

 of birds and moving tree tops, and the very air is balm and i:i- 

 cense; the joy of this scene is made replete only when you see 

 the cattle grazing on these hillsides and drinking beneath the 

 branches of those reflected treetops. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Cobb. O : — Regarding the cost of his daily ration at 

 the present time. He mentioned oats and bran as a part of his 

 ration and with me oats and bran are prohibited on account of 

 cost. 



A : — Only for dry cows to insure well doing. 



Q : — Do you feed grain to your cows that are going to- 

 freshen ? 



A : — Crushed oats while dry. 



Q: — Nearly all milch cows are troubled with fever if ied 

 grain just before the cows freshen? 



