ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION 
67 
Topic No. 10. “ Do the benefits derived from manures 
equal the depreciation of dairy stock ? ” 
John Keating: Thought this a hard question to 
answer, but a very important one. He believed the depre¬ 
ciation of a dairy to be at least 12% per cent; at the same 
time he believed the manure would nearly if not quite 
offset this. Manure is worth $10 per head per annum from 
a large dairy, if rightly applied. He thought top dressing 
the best plan of application. 
Thos. Bishop : Received more from old cows than it 
cost to buy new ones ; therefore it was again and not a loss 
to change cows. 
After some further discussion of this topic the state of 
the finances of the association were thoroughly discussed. 
Dr. Tefft stated the present condition of the treasury, 
strongly urging all to become members, so that the pro¬ 
ceedings might be promptly published. 
R. P. McGlincy also spoke to this question. He said 
the reports ought to be printed, and that the secretary 
should be paid; no one could afford to work for nothing— 
gratuitous labor was always dear labor. 
Secretary Thompson suggested that as the annual 
fee was so small—only one dollar—that all double up, and 
the difficulty would be overcome at once. This suggestion 
seemed so sensible that the double up plan was adopted at 
once, whereupon the financial condition was greatly im¬ 
proved. 
Dr. Slade said although the association were making 
efforts to secure aid from the state, it might be a long time 
before we could get it. 
