l66 CONTROL OF THE MILK-SUPPLY. 
brushed, and are sometimes kept in as cleanly a condition as 
ordinary horses. The habits of the cow, especially when 'closely 
confined in the stall, inevitably result in a large amount of manure 
adhering to the animal's flanks, tail, and udders, and unless this 
is removed by curry comb and brush, and by washing if necessary, 
the character of the milk is sure to suffer. 
The Stables. It is much better to have stables on high giound, 
where there is ready drainage, than on low ground. Both air and 
light are necessary in stables, for the best results. Each cow 
should have three to four square feet of window surface, and 400 
to 450 cubic feet of air space. While the animals are in the yard, 
as they should be daily, the stables should be thoroughly aired. 
The cleanliness of the stable is a matter of utmost importance. 
The habits of the cow and the nature of the manure are such as 
render a high state of cleanliness very difficult. But the dairyman 
should understand that all accumulation of manure or other filth is a 
direct detriment to the quality of the milk. The removal of the 
manure from the stalls should be as frequent as possible, never less 
than twice a day. The manure, when removed, should be taken as 
far as possible from the barn, and should never be heaped outside, 
close by the barn nor be allowed to accumulate in the cellar. By 
far the best method is to distribute it daily upon the fields, where it 
may serve as a fertilizer. Attention should be given to the dust, 
cobwebs and hay that may be clinging to the ceiling of the barn, for 
all such are traps for accumulating dirt, as well as sources of bacteria, 
thus aiding in the contaminating of the milk. Plastered or sheathed 
walls and ceilings are very much to be preferred to a rough finish. 
The bedding of the cattle is a matter of some importance also; and 
clean shavings appear, on the whole, the best for this purpose. A 
coat of whitewash should be applied with a spray pump at least once 
a year. 
Personnel. Special attention should be given the persons em- 
ployed on a dairy farm. The milking clothes should be made of 
washable materials. Some dairies insist that this clothing must be 
sterilized each day, A thorough washing and drying of the hands 
should precede the milking. All these measures are necessary, 
