Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-03-27

pounds. One half Of this advance may be
made by judicious culling out of the stock
we now have. 1t is practicable to adopt a
system Of farming by which we can cheaply
supply our cows with an abundance of sue
culent food in times of drought and even
throughout the year. 1t is practicable to
improve their present hygeuc condition,
and avoid losses which now occur in conse-
quence of disease To adopt improvements
which will render our COWS more comforta.
ble and remove those irritating influences
which now tend to check large flow Of
milk, and enable US to preserve the milk
more free from taints and filth. To provide
more pure water on many farms, and make
it more convenient of access, both in winter
and summer. To adopt system Of manu-
facture which while il requires much less la
Dor than the common practice, will greatly
increase the amount and quality Of the prod
uct To improve the color, texture and
external appearance of our butter, and put
it up in more attractive and acceptable
manner. To reduce the quality to an almost
absolute uniformity without regard to the
seasons. To build up a reputation among
consumers, for which we shall receive an am.
pie reward in dollars and cents, in addition
to the qualification which its possession af.
fords. To increase the consumption and de.
mand for our products, both at home and
abroad. 1t is practicable for us to elevate
the calling from one of tiresome, filthy, prof
itless drudgery to pleasant, healthfu aud
profitable occupation.
earnestly ask your attention to these
considerations. 1t is subject which should
interest all classes, as every calling pursued
in our state, is either directly or indirectly
affected by the prosperity Of this branch Of
industry. 1t is not one for the amateur farm
er alone to investigate. For those who make
farming pastime, and who manage to spend
large sums of money in its pursuit. 1t is a
question for the practical farmer also, for us
who live upon the profits of our industry and
not by speculation, monopolies, or stealings
from the public crib. 1t is question for
the statesman also, as insignificant as it may
seem. And | am aware that make this
assertion at the risk Of ineurring sneers Of
derision from many who have not investiga.
ted this matter.
But let us consider the financial effects
upon the state, Of the general adoption Of
such improvements AS have pointed out.
Suppose the average productive capacity
Of the cows Of this state was increased by
an amount equivalent to so lbs. of butter
per head per annum, and this increase
should be sold at a price equivalent to only
2o cts. per lb. for butter, which suppose is
about the average price now received for our
product, we should by this comparatively
slight improvement add S2,523,990 an.
nua!ly to the wealth of our state.
1t the present productive capacity Of our
cows per head is as | have assumed, equiv
alent to $50 lbs of butter,-and | think
that every observing dairyman will agree
with me 10 the opinion tina. this is a high
estimate,-and we should add 100 lbs. to
their average product, it would then be so
lbs. per head less than the average results
obtained by individual dairymen we should
thus add at 28c per ID. S5,047, $50 to
the annual income Of those engaged in this
branch Of industry.
Bear in mind, that this enormous sum
would be received for our improvements
alone, and does not embrace the amount
now manufactured, and consumed in the
state, or sold out of 1t, but only the i'm
proved results which would accrue from the
increased productive capacity of our COWS.
Neither have l included the advanced
price per lb. which might be obtained iu
consequence Of an improvement in quality.
We might thus easily add an average of ten
cents per 10. or more, to our present sales,
which with like advance on the increased
production last spoken Of, would swell our in-
creased receipts to the enormous sum of
nearly, or quite, etgh millions of dollars
annually. Is not this result worthy Of the
attention OF our statesmen, and of all who
seek to promote the prosperity OF our state
These estimates are not based in any
particular upon the best results obtained by
individuals, but upon suppositions far below
these, and within the reach of every Ver-
mont dairyman Of ordinary capacity.
ask the attention of all interested to
these statistical results, Please examine
the figures carefully, and the grounds upon
which my deductions are based, and tell me
II you will, what is wanting with our pres
ent markets, to prevent the realization of
these results.
But you will doubtless say that we should
overstock our markets, aud thus reduce the
price received per 10. 1t is probable that
this would be the result, but not to the ex.
tent which might without consideration be
supposed. Remember that that was the
prediction with regard to the increased pro-
duction Of cheese in consequence of the in.
PRODUCTION of the factory system. But we
have realized no such results. The conse.
quent Improvement in quality so extended
the Market aud increased the consumption
and demand, that notwithstanding q greatly
increased production, il has probably caused
an actual increase in price over what would
have otherwise been obtained. This is
almost invariably the result of improve.
ments, and we have no reason to suppose
that this case would I've an exceptional one.
With our present facilities for transportation,
we have the world for our market.
If all Of our dairy products we're of a
first class quality, we could not with our
present production supply our home markets.
Every producer of an inferior article Of
butter or cheese inAicts an injury not only
upon the community at large, but upon his
fellow producers also. He converts a lux
ury into an unpalatable article of diet.
That which might be eaten with pleasure,
into that which is only eaten from necessity.
Who will not eat twice as much of deli.
cious article Of butter, or cheese, when set
before him, AS OF that of poor quality ?
What is true Of the individual is also true
Of the great mass OF consumers. A few
poor cheeses will often nearly ruin the retail
trade of dealer in country village for
weeks by stopping the consumption Of that
article by his customers. 1t is safe to es.
innate that every poor cheese which is
thrown upon the market prevents the sale
OF two good ones, aud the same is true also
Of tubs OF poor butter. The surest way 10
improve provision market, and prevent an
over supply Of particular article, is to im.
prove the quality of the article sent to that
market.
But after making amnla allowanca FIR