924 Improvement of Agriculture in Sweden, [feb., 



7,715. The cost, amounting to ,£17,000, was nearly equally 

 divided between the State and the Provincial Societies. 



The premiums for cattle are especially intended to encourage 

 breeding among small farmers, and are, therefore, only 

 offered to occupants of 125 acres at the most. The greatest 

 importance is attached to milk-producing qualities, and in 

 judging bulls the characteristics of their offspring and 

 ancestors are taken into account. On account of lack of 

 funds, the prizes for cows have in many cases been given up, 

 but small holders are encouraged by the distribution of 

 tickets entitling their cows to service by an approved bull. 



These competitions are considered to have a great influence 

 on the improvement of cattle-breeding, particularly by draw- 

 ing attention to the great importance of employing good bulls. 

 The Provincial Societies place farmers in the way of purchas- 

 ing good specimens, and the prizes awarded, together with 

 the service tickets which are paid for by the Committee, 

 make the keeping of a bull a profitable business in many 

 districts. Some 68,000 of these "service tickets" were dis- 

 tributed in 1908, and the number of animals entered in the 

 competitions was 60,000. The premiums amounted to 

 £"15,000, tOAvards which the State contributed £5,500. The 

 Provincial Societies also grant loans to local associations of 

 small farmers who keep bulls for their common use, and 

 assist them in other ways. 



Another method of encouraging cattle-breeding is the 

 recognition of so-called "breeding centres." These are herds 

 of approved cows which are subject to strict supervision with 

 a view to building up a strain of heavy-milking cows and 

 distributing their descendants over the district. 



Subventions are also given to several stud and herd book 

 societies, and also to the Society for the Promotion of Poultry- 

 keeping. 



Milk Control Associations. — These are widely distributed 

 in Sweden, the number exceeding 650, and they receive grants 

 of £^2,300 from the State and £"2,500 from the Provincial 

 Societies. Through their operations they have improved the 

 average yield of milk and have at the same time led to a more 

 economical and more rational method of feeding. 



Loans for Small Holdings and the Improvement of Land. — 



