196 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



The results showed quite a variation from highest to lowest, 

 though the bulk of results varied only within narrow limits, 

 and as a result, there has been adopted a more uniform system 

 of taking samples and making tests. 



Many samples of milk were tested at the different meetings, 

 the same having been brought in by different members for that 

 purpose, but the results of this work did little except to demon- 

 strate the test because samples were usually improperly taken 

 and the results were of but little account. 



During the first two years, it was our purpose to improve 

 the quality of our dairy products and harmonize the interest of 

 the producer and manufacturer, to work among the dairymen 

 to lead them to better appreciate the possibilities which were 

 hidden in the business and become better acquainted with their 

 needs. We found, however, that the lack of laws for control- 

 ling the unscrupulous dealers was a serious handicap in the 

 dairy business, consequently, the legislature of 1905 was asked 

 to make a revision. This was done and at the same time the 

 annual appropriation of three thousand dollars for aiding and 

 protecting the dairy interests was made permanent, several new 

 laws were enacted and others were amended to make them 

 more effective, so that with our present laws, the imitation pro- 

 ducts can be controlled and adulterations prevented, if a 

 sufficient number of people can be employed to do the work. 



A very important law was enacted, which provides that the 

 Commissioner of Agriculture shall inquire into the methods 

 of making butter and cheese in creameries and cheese factories, 

 also the methods of taking, preserving and testing samples of 

 milk and cream in the same, and shall act for the State in the 

 enforcement of the laws relating to the production, manufacture 

 and sale of all dairy products and their imitations. It also 

 gives him and his agents or assistants access to all places of 

 business, carriages and cars used in the manufacture or trans- 

 portation of dairy products and their imitations, and provides 

 a fine for any one who interferes with or obstructs the Com- 

 missioner of Agriculture or his agents or assistants, while in 

 the exercise of their duty. 



Another law was enacted which restricts the sale of renovated 

 butter and provides that it shall be plainly stamped, labelled or 

 marked on the outside of every package when sold at retail and 



