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THE GATHERED CREAM SYSTEM. 



By J. B. Bertolet, Leaf River, 111.: 



The subject assigned me is one of considerable extent and 

 importance and should be represented by one of more ability, if 

 not experience. Much talk and money have been expended on 

 the various phases of manufacturing butter from gathered 

 cream, yet all along the line of practical operation we are con- 

 fronted with interrogation points, that, so far, as a rule, have not 

 been answered by a desirable balance sheet at the close of the 

 year. 



As to nearly all questions, so to this, there are two parts, 

 the theory and the practical. The former is ably discussed and 

 commented upon by the editors and writers of our agricultural 

 and dairy papers, and their readers are apt pupils, and the far- 

 mers and dairymen of America are to-day in their line the 

 greatest theorists of the world. Any farmer of ordinary attain- 

 ments can inform us what breed of cattle are best adapted for 

 the dairy, knows how to shelter them, can explain the quantity, 

 quality and condition of the requisite food as well as the proper 

 time to give it to make the investment profitable. So, also, the 

 dairyman understands the proper handling of milk, the success- 

 ful raising of cream and the production of a superior quality of 

 butter; is thoroughly posted as to the merits of improved dairy 

 untensils; knows the importance of cleanliness, and the sensi- 

 tiveness of milk, cream and butter in partaking of or becoming 

 tainted by surrounding odors; knows that good results can be 

 obtained only by the use of a tidy, well-ventilated, isolated and 

 exclusive milk house, a well constructed tank with water, kept 

 at a low and even temperature by frequent or constant change 

 during warm weather. And, in short, the theory of dairy farm- 

 ing has attained quite a state of perfection. 



This theory carried into practice should show profitable 

 results that could be demonstrated by improved account sales, 

 better market reports and general prosperity. How well the 



