50 ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



the great human cry " for bread," instead of as now for meat. " Out of the 

 frying pan, into the fire." 



These few, of the many examples that might be given show us plainly, 

 the necessity of diligence on the part of agriculturists, not in their labors, 

 foi as a rule, their labors are too incessant, but in making careful observa- 

 tions of their farm operations, noting the same for comparison, that they 

 may prove, not guess, at their conclusions, as to the better system of farm 

 management, for their location and individual circumstances. That there 

 should be more of intelligent thought, a better acquaintance with the views 

 and operations of others, as given in the leading works on Agricultural 

 science, and in the Agricultural press. 



We believe too, there are many experiments, both of minor, and of 

 very great importance, that can not be conducted by the average farmer, for 

 want of both time, means, and knowledge of the use of experimental appli- 

 ances, that should be conducted, by, and at the expense of the State. In 

 this matter Illinois is behind many of her sister States. 



I am fully convinped that a well fostered experimental station, besides 

 the benefit it would be in giving information to the masses of our people, 

 if given the control of one class of productions, that of the dairy, would 

 save to that class of producers more than all its annual expenses, in giving 

 their goods respectability in the markets. 



Omitting the ''Battle of the Breeds" that is being fought with such per- 

 sistence, by the zealous champions of special kinds, in farm stock, as well as 

 many other important features of this subject, for fear of trespassing on 

 your time, I leave it to the more profitable discussion, that I trust will follow. 

 When I say that the consideration of these subjects lead us to believe that 

 the farmer has his labors in no small field of thought, that even the 

 common farmer, as he is sometimes called, has need of all his capital stock 

 in the form of general information as to farm management. 



They too, lead us to believe there is a need of a wiser generation on the 

 farm. Not that I would imply that in general education they are deficient, 

 but if there is a special training needed for the young man who would enter 

 one of the professions, why is there not as great need for a very special 

 training for the young man that proposes to develop even one of the great 

 interests of the farm. He needs more of science, a wider range of reading, 

 and thought, to develope the sources of success, and true cause of misfortune 

 to his business than any other living man. It matters not how intellect- 

 ual a young man may be,if that mind has been stored with useful knowledge, 

 rest assured, he can find use for all his learning on the farm. 



Mr. Broomell : Do I understand Mr. Chester to say that in the high 

 grading, which has taken place on hogs in the last few years, the result has 

 been to encourage disease among swine ? 



Mr. Chester: That is my impression, that in the breeding for early 

 maturity we have bred disease, and I think there is but little doubt the great 

 swine plague has been produced that way. 



Adjourned to visit the Illinois Industrial University. 



