22 
ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN ? S ASSOCIATION. 
In conclusion I will submit the following proposition for the 
consideration of those interested in the improvement of grass land, 
to-wit: That the improvement of the grass land is the first work to 
insure a higher quality of the dairy product. 2nd, That the value of 
the products of the cow is in like ratio to the quality and quantity of 
the food and the care she receives from the herdman. 3d, That the 
grass lands, when they are properly drained, cultivated and reseeded 
with a combination of grass seed adapted to the soil, will yield a 
greater revenue than any other class of land, in ratio to their expense. 
4th, That in work of improving the grass land by the system of sur¬ 
face-culture, we promote the growth of many very valuable 
varieties of grasses, adapted for the use of the dairy herd, which 
would greatlv enhance the value of those lands that are destroyed by 
the system of plowing, and are not replowed in the reseeding. 5th, 
In the reseeding of these lands with a combination of grass seed, 
adapted to suit the different varieties of soils, we increase the yield 
from 30 per cent, to 200 per cent, per acre. 
C. C. Buell was a new beginner come here to learn. 
His farm was composed of a variety of soils, mostly prairie, 
and of a sandy loam—most too sandy, and was mostly re¬ 
claimed from wet soil. His upland produced clover freely ; 
his lowland, Kentucky blue grass, or June Grass, which are 
one and the same. His upland was all right he could 
handle that, but the lowland was what caused him trouble. 
Cattle would punch it up or “ bog it.” Had for a year or 
two put his harrow onto it, and then seeded with red-top 
and timothy. This year mowed it and got a good crop. 
Could not say as this plan would do for all lands. Had 
read much of the writing on the grass question, but thought 
all statements should be made based upon actual experi¬ 
ence or definite knowledge. 
E. H. Seward said that the question of grasses was at 
the bottom of our success as dairymen; no dairy region 
could prosper where good grasses could not be produced. 
There were a great variety of soils in this state; they must 
