New York Agricultural Experiment Station - . 105 



investigated in connection with this study of the normal udder 

 but its influence may have entered into the results obtained. 



In discussing the relation of the germ content to the period of 

 lactation it was observed that during the first few days germs 

 were distinctly more abundant than later and that toward the 

 close of lactation the numbers tended to decrease. It will be 

 remembered that during the first few days the udder is practi- 

 cally always in an inflamed condition. Later, while the normal 

 udder is in full flow, it is daily subjected to complete distention, 

 which is the first stage of inflammation. Finally, when the flow 

 begins to fall off rapidly, the udder is no longer fully distended, 

 and this inflammatory condition is not present. It is noteworthy 

 that the three stages in germ content which were noted (see page 

 103) are fairly parallel with these three relations to inflammation. 

 In how far this influence of inflammation is responsible for the 

 observed variations in germ content and the method by which its 

 influence is exerted can be best determined after the question of 

 inflammation has been thoroughly studied. 



UDDEK FLORA. 



In studying the flora of any region either of two distinct ideas 

 may be followed ; the aim may be to include all of the forms which 

 are ever found in that region or it may be restricted to those 

 which persist in the region for a considerable time and may be 

 considered as fairly permanent residents. In the earlier studies 

 of a flora this latter plan has much to commend it since it is far 

 simpler in execution. 



During these qualitative studies samples were obtained under 

 two quite different sets of conditions and for somewhat different 

 purposes. 



More than 750 samples were obtained from 15 cows at the sta- 

 tion barn where conditions were largely under control and the 

 milkers were accustomed to assisting in the collection of samples. 

 These samples were taken on three successive days from each cow 

 and only those forms were isolated for study which appeared 



