The new North-west., 1897-04-16
THE CREAMERY QUESTION.


the subject. And yet it is a curious
phase of the human mind that it gives the
least attention to the things that most Vi
tally concern the we'll being Of the indi,
vidual or community, and interest is
aroused only by repeated calls to duty or
opportunity. A street fakir can bring a
crowd together at any time and make
dupes of them, but mass convention to
consider ways and means for public good
will. have small attendance, and the very
ones most concerned will be conspicuous
by their absence.
A tiimsy scheme, set out with snowy
support and capital than substantial
plan for private or public good, because
the latter cannot afford to throw out at
fractions that reason aud experience will
not warrant, and it is only by its insistent
presence that heed will be given it at all.
1t is with this thought, rather than of i'm
proving on "Separator's" setting forth of
the subject, that put the question before
your readers again this week.
The presence of the milch COW in any
country that can grow feed cheap enough
to fatten beef, is always source of pros
perity. How great that prosperity be-
comes depends (within certain limits) on
the number and milking capacity of the
cows and the earnestness and thorough
ness with which they are handled. Iowa
and Wisconsin are especial examples of
whole states that have lifted themselves
out of threatened poverty, caused by
grain and hay growing, ipto comparative
atfiuence through the general adoption of
the dairy industry. These are facts;
they cannot be gainsaid.
Such results did not come about with
out thought, hard work and patience, but
they came and brought rejoicing with
them. Right here in Deer Lodge valley
there are those who have made success
of dairying, and, though admitting the
confinement to tie business that is re-
quired, are willing to endure the discom
fort and have the steady and sure income
that goes with it, When man says to
me that dairying "don't pay" | at once
conclude that either he does not under
stand the business or it interferes too
much with the free and easy life he de-
sires to lead. Had my observation been
less extensive such an assertion would
not be made so confidently
Another consideration in favor of the
which may at first sight seem to be mere
sentiment, but studied in all its bearings
| it means higher standard of living"
taken in the sense in which the term is
used by writer's of political economy, i. e.,
that of better food, better clothing, better
surroundings; all of which increase trade.
The fact is universally noted that dai-
rying communities are intelligent as we'll
as prosperous communities. 1t does not
take much mind to grow grain, hay or
"spuds." A little turning of the ground,
scattering and covering the soil, opening
and closing water bitches few days, and
nature sdoes the rest" Not so with the
dairyman. He has to deal with one of
natures delicate mechanisms, as intricate
from the delicacy of, the human body
Haphazard methods bring disaster The
cow and her capabilities and capacities
must be the subject of thought and sys
| fo,, 10 IN IL;
man is no longer plodding machine
The divine is stirring in him and his feet
like those of Pegasus, begin to spurn the
earth AS his business is the subject oil
his thought he lifts that with him, unit
he, who a little way back was content te
be termed ssrancher," feels that he is
man among business men. "Too poetic
view of the business" you say. Fine
fault with the LOGIC if you can. Con
slider the results from such an advanced
position!
The finding of markets need not trouble
the dairymen in Deer Lodge valley
Butte and Anaconda, within an hours
journey by rail from Deer Lodge, now
import 80 per cent. of the butter con
sumed from outside the state, and prac
tically all their cheese. In 1895 Butte
alone consumed nearly 100000 pounds
of butter that was bought outside the
state. This, at 25 cents per pound, means
a quarter of million of dollars lost t.
the state of Montana. Are the farmers
around Deer Lodge desirous of getting q
portion of this? If they are, the cream
cry proposition gives them the opportu.
nifty.
There are difficulties in the way, ad
nit, but not unsurmountable ones. The
distance from the creamery is the great.
est. This can be overcome by a neigh
borhood uniting and carry all in one load.
The advantages, however, outweigh the
difficulties; the chief one being fire.
quent and regular income, with no fear