88 THIRTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



We found that one out of every thirty pieces (three 

 per cent) of the apparatus in use before the law was en- 

 acted was inaccurate. All the apparatus that is being sold 

 by the Vermont supply houses today is correct, because it is all 

 submitted to our inspection and only the correct pieces ship- 

 ped them. As it comes to us now less than one-half of one 

 per cent, one in two hundred, is incorrect. 1 Clearly this sec- 

 tion of the law is of benefit. 



The law is imperfect however. It should cover the accuracy 

 of the centrifugal testing machines. There are centrifugal 

 testing machines in use at creameries in this state so con- 

 structed that they cannot give correct results. The law 

 should provide for the inspection of these machines and pro- 

 hibit the use of such as yield incorrect results. 



ERRORS OF IGNORANCE. 



The law passed in 1898 requires that every operator of the 

 Babcock test for dividend-making shall be examined as to his 

 knowledge of the method of its operation; and that he shall 

 secure a certificate from the dairy school of the University of 

 Vermont and State Agricultural College that he is competent 

 and well qualified to perform the work. 



Mr. Messer. Are there any persons in the state who to 

 your knowledge are at present operating these creameries 

 without a license? 



Prof. Hills. None to my knowledge. I presume there are 

 some; but the law has a penal section and anyone may bring 

 a case of that kind to our attention, or to that of any sheriff 

 or constable. It should be noted, furthermore, that the law 

 has forced many operators to perfect themselves so they could 

 pass the examination and get a license, who otherwise would 

 have tested with but a half-knowledge of the process. There 

 have been tested over 13,500 milk and cream bottles and pi- 

 pettes and 334 would-be licensees. Had it not been for the 

 law, 243 incorrect bottles and 38 incompetent operators, 

 unable to test correctly even under conditions when if ever 

 they would have striven to do their best, would have been to- 

 day adjudicating the value of milk at Vermont creameries 

 and factories. Many incorrect pipettes and acid measure were 

 detected and regraduated and are not included in this showing. 

 A considerable number of operatives were refused licenses on 

 the first examination, but were granted them after they proved, 

 on second trial, that they had learned how to test milk. 

 Every man testing in Vermont today at least knew how to 



i. — Since writing, one very bad lot direct from a manufacturer who guaranties his 

 goods has been handled and the imperfect pieces removed. 



