34 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



for help, it is difficult to understand just why he believes him- 

 self exempt from prosecution when found selling below stand- 

 ard milk. 



If sealed cans were used by farmers and dealers when ship- 

 ping milk, the responsibility would then be on the shipper and 

 greater protection would result. 



Under the present system of shipping in unsealed cans, a 

 large number of agents are necessary to secure samples of milk 

 from the many farmers shipping from many different stations, 

 but if dealers in cities will patronize the local inspector, some 

 idea of what they are receiving can be obtained and then a 

 request to this office will bring further help. 



Conditions under which milk, butter and butter substitutes 

 are sold in grocery stores and bakeries have been noted and 

 many changes brought about. Grocerymen are rapidly learning 

 the unsanitary aspects of handling and selling milk from cans. 

 That milkmen usually sell their poorest milk in cans to stores 

 is a well known fact and when this is exposed to dust as well 

 as to odors of the meat room or ice chest, it becomes an unde- 

 sirable product. Then, too, the quart measure is a source of 

 contamination from dust and flies. It has been a common 

 sight to find a milk measure on the end of a meat bench or 

 hanging on a nail literally swarmed v.-ith flies and in some 

 instances curdled milk has been found in the measure. It is 

 not always possible to thoroughly mix milk in cans and to 

 protect themselves from prosecution for selling below standard 

 milk or for unsanitary conditions, .grocerymen and others 

 should insist on having bottled milk left with them. 



In restaurants and lunch rooms the milk dip tank is in very 

 common use. I have condemned a number for being old and 

 patched and while much dust is liable to enter and a variable test 

 for butter fat results from uneven mixture, the fact that the 

 milk is kept cold detracts from the other objections to quite a 

 degree. 



In drug stores I have found milk being stored in cans, pitch- 

 ers, bottles and iced or vacuum tanks for use in drinks of many 

 descriptions. I have criticised when this milk has been found 

 exposed or not kept cold and in many cases where a dirty 

 bottle and milk soaked cap are used. I have suggested remedies. 



