177 



The method devised by Dr. Baboock, of Wiscousin, was examined in our 

 laboratories during the past year, and the results compared with those obtained from 

 the same samples by an accurate method of chemical analysis. The work was 

 published, somewhat in detail, in Bulletin 12, of the Dairy series; I therefore here 

 only insert conclusions. 



Of the thirt3'-two samples tested in duplicate by the Babcock method, only two 

 gave a difference between their duplicates, amounting to three-tenths ("3) of one per 

 cent. ; two varied in their duplicates two-tenths (-2) of one per cent. ; fourteen dif- 

 fered to the extent of one-tenth (•!) of one per cent., and thirteen gave results 

 identically the same. 



The greatest difference between fat determinations by the Babcock test and 

 gn.vimetric analysis on the same milk was ("25) a quarter of one per cent. This 

 occurs in three instances only. Where the results are not identical, the variation is 

 usually between one-tenth and two-tenths of one per cent. 



From these data, therefore, we may safely conclude that when the Babcock test 

 is made according to instructions given with the machine, strictly reliable results are 

 obtained, and that the percentage of fat so found, allowing for the greatest error 

 possible under such circumstances, will be well within one-quarter of one per cent. 

 (•25) of the amount of fat actually contained in the milk. 



CONDENSED MILKS. 



The brands analysed were " Eeindeer Brand," manufactured by the Condensed 

 Milk and Canning Company, Truro, N. S., the " Shamrock Brand," of the Condensed 

 Milk Company of Ireland, Limerick, and the ''Fruit Brand," Gleeve Bros., London 

 and Liverpool. 



On opening the tins a preliminary examination of the physical characters of 

 the milk afforded me the following data : 



"Eeindeer Brand " is of a slightly yellowish tint ; in an excellent state of preser- 

 vation; evidently a well-made milk and perfectly homogeneous throughout; readily 

 soluble in water, yielding a milky fluid, very sweet, with a slightly " boiled" taste. 



"Shamrock Brand," of a bluish-white tint. In a good state of preservation; 

 easily soluble in water — the resulting fluid having a marked flavour of boiled milk. 

 One tin of this brand was found on opening to be somewhat fermented, evidently 

 owing to imperfect soldering. 



" The Fruit Bi-and," somewhat darker in colour than the milk of the " Reindeer 

 Brand." Well made and in a good state of preservation; easily soluble in water, 

 with a sweetish " boiled " flavour. 



The composition of the milks, as elicited by a careful and thorough analysis, is 

 depicted in the subjoined table : 



COMPOSITION OF CONDENSED MILKS. 



7j?— 12 



