The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-05-24
Be Sure You Are Right.

be traced to reckless disre- |
gard of this advice. People often rush |
into avocations, without the least regard |
to existing circumstances, and before |
they know it they are ruined. The !
dairy has furnished its full share of VIC
tins to such recklessness. People have
gone into the business of dairying with
out first knowing that they were right.
Many more will do the same thing, and
all who do will stand good chance of
failure. We all do business, partly, at
least, to make money. If a business
will not yield profit, we want nothing
TO do with it. Wherever the dairy can
be made profitable, therefore, it de-
serves attention. But under no consid-
Grafton should we enter upon it, with
out knowing that our conditions are
such as to warrant success. We have
observed with both satisfaction and
alarm the dairy boom which seems to
exist in Missouri. 1t is satisfaction
Just so far as our friends in Missouri
shall be led to make a careful examina-
ton of the subject, and so far as they
may successfully enter upon the bust
ness. 1t is source of alarm in that
there seems to be high pressure prin-
ciple adopted, and there is in some quar-
tiers a whoop and a hurrah which may
carry into the business many
who had much better keep out of
it. 1t is not good plan to en-
ter business behind brass band
and blazing torches. That kind of thing
does well enough on dress parade, but
in actual service we need to proceed
calmly. In the first place there are not
millions in the dairy. Under favorable
circumstances it is a fairly-paying BUSH
ness, and nothing more. If the bogus
butter imposition is to be permitted to
continue, the dairy is more profitable
to-day than it will be in five years. But
it should be fairly understood that the
dairyrnan does not get rich enough to
retire in "a year or two years. Except
under extraordinary circumstances it
pays no better than other branches of
agriculture usually pay; and frequently
does not pay as well as some other
branches In the next place it is hard
work. We hope that none of the read
ers of this paper will be deceived into
thinking that the business is desirable
because it will run itself. 1t may not
he as hard as digging bitches or pitch
things, but it is quite as hard as these
are by the modern methods. In short
the manufacture OF dairy products is of
that delicate character which makes it
wearing to the mind that directs it and
| tircsome to the hands that are directed.
1t may be well doubted if what are
called the lighter branches of farm
work are not, in consequence of the eX-
ceeding care which they require, really
harder upon the physical system than
the toughest work that has ever
been done by a farm laborer. At
all events the man who expects
an easy time in the dairy, and
has his expectations met, will
never make q farthing in the business.
| Another fact still deserves the serious
attention of him who is tempted by
dairy booms 1t is business that is a
science. 1t will require upon the part
| of those who have been accustomed to
old methods radical change of action.
1t will be practically a new business to
such, and it is probable that failure,
under the most favorable circumstances,
to a greater or less degree, will result.
That must be expected, and it will be
very fine luck if it does not happen. 1t
will require great deal of study and q
great deal of patience, and a great deal
Impractical work. Competent dairy pub
locations will be a necessity, but in the
application of the instructions which
they will give, the novice must expect
to be awkward until he gains expert
ence. Conventions that are largely
composed of experienced dairymen will
prove invaluable to the novice who at
tends them, and these conventions are
about the only place where the voice OF
experienced dairymen, who have nc
private ends to accomplish, can be
heard. Usually the men who are will,
ing and have the time go from place
to place to deliver dairy addresses have
an AK under their coat which they pro
pose to sharpen up on the grind-stonC
that they may induce the people tC
turn. Hence the picture which they
present is one without shadows. They
speak in glittering general terms, anC
lead their audiences where flowers are
so thick that not a thorn can be seen.
The reader of this Journal does no
need to listen to speeches to aid dccid
ing whether or not he shall engage il
the dairy business. We have pointed
out the difficulties, and it Is for him t.
take into consideration all the condi
tons about him, and decide whether o
not he thinks he can overcome the diff
iiculties. He must compete with thu
best butter that can be made. He mus
compete with those who thorough.
understand the business, and not onl.
understand the mechanical work neces
sary, but are masters of the science o
feeding the COW and of the general car
of her. A successful dairy must have
good supply of food and good suppl
, of good water. II must have good COW
and they must nave good care. A
| thnsn aI.;tk;.a Tho ,anSSihiliIias IL