The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-02-14
JERSEYS FOR THE DAIRY.
Prize Essay, by Katherine S. Handk,

JERSEYS FOR THE DAIRY.
Prize Essay, by Katherine S. Handke
With the continual decline in the
prices of all cereals, more farmers are
gradually awaking to the fact that
other field of industry must be opened
if they would lift the mortgage from
their homes, or enjoy any of the com
forts and luxuries which wealth alone
can buy.
Many Of these Overburdened farmers
have, along with their grain raising,
dabbied in dairying; but, from lack Of
care and an understanding of the laws
of bree ling, their stock has degenerated
until the profits, if profiss they may be
called, when the cost of keeping is con
sidered, amount to the few necessities
of the table
The fact that good butter always
commands steady price, asshown by
the market reports of any paper has
led many to inquire more closely into
the nature and possibilities Of this par
ticular branch of dairying That there
must first be a change in the grade Of
their stock most farmers are convinced,
and to those beginners who cannot
afford the time or means 10 prove
which breed of cattle is best adapted TO
their needs the experience of open eyed,
truthful men is invaluable. Among
the many breeds whose merits have
been discussed and advocated by lead
ing dairymen are the Jerseys. These
cattle. natives of the Channel Island
of that name, have been Introduced
INTO our country by the progressive
American who saw in them the pCssi-
biLlties Of q grander sphere Of useful
nees than that of mere Ornamentation
That they are particularly well fitted
for dairy purposes is shown by the
quality of their milk and the re 4diness
with which they convert their food
into butter-fat 1t has lO3 e been con
coded by experienced dairymen-and
this is indeed the Jerseys strong point
that they produce mora butter from
a given amount of proper food thsn
any other breed and since economy is
one Of the roads TO wealth the man
who feeds-a dollars worth Of food to q
Jersey COW and receives in return two
dollars for his labor Is nearer his goal
than the pcssessOr Cf ilfeTiCr stock
who Oftimes is not repaid fer the food
they eat, to say nothing Of his labor.
Then to change these Improbable ami
mails, which yield three Or four pounds
Of butter a week, or those requiring no
more food or care, and which produce
eight or nine pounds a week, is a ques
tiOn which ought to command his i'm
mediate attention.
The widespread distribution of Jer-
sey cattle throughout the United States
proves that they are not restricted to
any particular climate, and their rapid
increase proves that they are not more
susceptible to disease than any other
breed.
Consumers of milk in cities are more
quick to appreciate the difference in
quality between Jersey and ordinary
milk than we would suppose, and they
would willingly pay better price If
they could be guaranteed the better
article, That the owner of Jersey
products could readily create demand
for his articles is unquestionabIe Why,
then, should he note Now that the
patrons of m kny cheese factories are
being paid according to the amount of
fat found IN their milk. there is an
added reason why he should not hesi-
tate to improve his stock. Many paO-
| pie will tell you that the high records
made by some Jersey COWS are excep
| tions; but it is not to these special cases
| which you, from lack of means. per
| the record of the general Jersey we
would have you turn for convincing
proof that she might b> your homes
| salvation. It is mistake among anna
teur dairymen that they seek to COM
bine the qualities Of beet and butter
producer This invariably results in a
beef producer; but if he persists in his
object let him not tamper with the
jersey, whose mission is strictly that
of butter making
There is much for the beginner to
learn concerning the proper food and
care of his Jersey, and there is no bet
ter means than through the columns
Of some good dairy paper. rich with
the experience and counsel of men who
have made these cattle a grand success.
Their beauty, their gentleness, and,
above all the superior quality of their
milk, justify them in their claims to
the title of dairy queens" and make
them desirable object in the eyes of
the buyer. To possess a Jersey is to
be inspired to nobleness, and to care
for one is to be educated to gentleness
and an appreciation Of beauty.
PLENTY OF GAME IN NASH.