I96 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



That this is no faneiful figure witness the fact that for a 

 century the words " Short Horn " have been a synonym for the 

 grandest achievement of man's care and thought in feeding and 

 breeding neat cattle. 



And now we urge, the time has arrived for the total excision 

 of all remaining horns. 



To what end? 



First, the danger to human life and limb will be reduced 

 thereby fully ninety-five per cent., a result of no small propor- 

 tions, and much to be desired. 



Again, dehorning, while not changing the avoirdupois re- 

 duces the bulk of the animal about four hundred per cent., and 

 increases its docility in the same heroic ratio. 



Mathematical Demonstration. — The space at the water 

 tank, the feed rack, or in the shed, that only affords a " fighting 

 chance" before, will easily accommodate four such animals after 

 dehorning. 



Again, Bro. Haaf, after several years observation in this 

 line, estimates that from fifteen to twenty per cent, of necessary 

 feed is saved by the operation. I should vary the proposition, 

 saying that from fifteen to twenty-five per cent, better results 

 are obtained from the given feed thereby. 



Query as to cruelty. 



Does the pain given during the operation compare in degree 

 or amount with the misery saved to the animals themselves 

 thereby? 



After two years close observation on this subject I am able 

 to say emphatically, no. 



The cruelty is all on the side of leaving the horns unmolested, 



All observing stockmen are aware of the fact that in herds 

 of any size the weak majority live in continuous fear of the 

 strong minority, ever on the ragged edge of expectancy, ever 

 on the alert to avoid the bayonet thrusts of their physical 

 superiors. 



Should such a condition be suffered, or abolished, if such a 

 thing be possible? 





