1920.] 



Objects of the Association. — The objects for which the 

 Association was formed were summarised by the Chairman, 

 Mr. John Coleman, at this meeting. He said that there was 

 much to be discovered, and much knowledge to be spread abroad 

 in connection with dairy matters, and that the best means of 

 advancing the cause of dairy farmers, and enabling them the 

 better to meet the demands made upon them by the public, 

 was to establish an association which should bind them together 

 for the mutual improvement of their industry. This was further 

 enforced in the first issue of the Journal published by the newly- 

 formed body in 1877, in the words : " It must be borne in mind 

 that the Association exists for the improvement of dairy 

 husbandry in Great Britain." 



It is necessary to emphasise this fact, for many people seem to 

 think that the Association was formed merely to hold a Dairy 

 Show. This may partly explain why the Association has never 

 been sufficiently supported by the dairy farmers of this country, 

 nor its influence and true scope fully appreciated by the British 

 Government during the 45 years of its existence. 



Initial Work. — We may best judge of the intention of the 

 promoters by studying their first efforts. Mr. J. P. Sheldon was 

 asked and agreed to visit the Hamburg Dairy Show in March, 

 1877, with a view to writing a report on his visit. This report 

 was published the same year in Part I of the first Journal of 

 the Association. 



The Government was early approached on the question of 

 cattle disease, and research work was undertaken (see p. 644). 



The Association decided to offer medals at the London, Frome 

 and Kilmarnock Dairy Shows for the best cows for dairy pur- 

 poses, the best exhibits of cheese and butter, and implements 

 of merit for dairy purposes. 



The subject of dairy education also received attention, and 

 details were obtained of a Dairy Station formed in Bavaria with 

 the object of assisting the dairy industry in that State. This 

 action marks a step in the promotion of the dairy interests in 

 this country by the encouragement of scientific and practical 

 education in subjects related to the dairy industry. 



That the primary objects of the Association should have been 

 educational, using the word in its widest sense, is not to be 

 wondered at when we study the names of the original founders. 

 Foremost among them was the late Dr. Augustus Voelcker, whose 

 scientific knowledge, wide acquaintance with practice and keen 

 sympathy with farmers, enabled him to see the great need for 



