94 ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



be done at any time most convenient and when no injury is done 

 the land by tramping." 



8. " From my point of view and experience the chief 

 advantages are : freedom and ease for the cow in getting up 

 and lying down without having to do so in cramped quarters, 

 the saving of labor in bedding and cleaning stables, besides avoid- 

 ing the necessity of hitching up and hauling out the manure every 

 dey. We have a large watering tank which is fed by an under- 

 ground pipe from the windmill pump. The tank is incased on 

 the sides and ends with sawdust space and a cover is used in very 

 cold weather when the windmill is not running, which keeps the 

 water from freezing. I have seen cows go to the tank at nine 

 or ten o'clock at night and drink heartily and then lie down. 

 This will be done more frequently than we have any idea unless 

 we watch. It is this freedom to supply any want, with comfort 

 and kindly handling that increases the production, and I think, 

 makes better milk. 



We have a lot adjoining the shed where the cows are allowed 

 to pass out as they wish in pleasant weather to enjoy a sun bath 

 for a few hours. We use the same lot for the cows at night 

 in summer, where they may lie and enjoy the cooler air, or if 

 they wish they can crop a little grass in the pasture adjoining. 



I know of no way we can save so much manure. Straw 

 with us is abundant and can be used in this way to add to the 

 comfort of our live stock as well as the fertility and better con- 

 dition of the soil. I venture to predict that the time will come 

 when many of our best farmers will care for their cattle in closed 

 sheds." 



9. " I consider the chief advantages to be : the sanitary 

 condition of the milking stable, the saving of labor in the more 

 economical handling of manure and feeding of roughage, and, 

 most important, the health of the herd." 



10. " The advantages of this system are that it saves labor 

 in watering stock and in stable cleaning; the manure can be 

 hauled out at any time or it can be left until needed without 



