154 agriculture; of mains. 



This modern dairy inspection and the necessary rules incident 

 thereto are not in general favor with milk producers, the oppo- 

 sition ranging from quiet criticism to open and organized revolt. 

 This attitude is greatly to be deprecated because in the first 

 place it is sure to end in defeat, even though temporary success 

 be gained, for the agitation in favor of cleaner milk is based on 

 proven facts, and truth must prevail. Further than that, 

 these milk producers place themselves in a false light before the 

 general public by facing backward rather than standing in the 

 line of progress. 



I have, however, much sympathy with the farmers who are 

 skeptical as to the new-fangled milk regulations, and their feel- 

 ing has several good reasons for existence. It is natural that 

 such a movement originating largely outside of agricultural 

 circles should be viewed with suspicion. Then besides it is a 

 principle of law and logic that the presumption is always in 

 favor of the existing order of things and the burden of proof 

 is on those who would make a change ; but many health ofificers 

 know so well the danger from contaminated milk that they have 

 not taken time to make plain to others what they see so clearly 

 themselves, and have made radical regulations without taking 

 the producers into their confidence. In addition, the enforce- 

 ment of these orders is sometimes given to people lacking tact 

 and dairy experience, and employing unwise methods, which 

 tends to increase friction rather than to allay it. 



Milk producers, as a rule, are reasonable, intelligent people 

 who desire to produce a proper article. But they don't under- 

 stand why customs and conditions which have been approved 

 for generations should suddenly be forbidden; the why of 

 things should be explained to them. They can be led better than 

 they can be driven. They should be approached in a friendly 

 and helpful way rather than with the bearing of a policeman, 

 which will surely beget a spirit of antagonism. 



Last winter, I heard a prominent member of the Massachu- 

 setts Board of Agriculture, who has been an intelligent, success- 

 ful milk producer, condemning before a group of farmers the 

 state board of health because an inspector, half his age, had 

 criticised him for straining milk in his barn. I said to him sub- 

 stantially this : "Your experience as a milk producer, and your 

 prominence in the Board of Agriculture, place you before the 



