CHA.P. XXI.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 407 



A mathematical instrument called a " lac- 

 tometer" has indeed been invented to ascer- 

 tain the richness of milk, and is so far curious 

 as to determine any difference of quality 

 which may exist between particular cows ; 

 but does not show whether the caseous or the 

 butyraceous matter predominates. 



With the form of the udder every one is 

 acquainted ; but though only presenting in 

 its outward appearance a tough species of 

 smooth, glossy skin, its interior structure is 

 composed of innumerable glands, closely in- 

 terwoven with each other, which secrete the 

 milk from the blood, and communicate with 

 the milk-veins which convey it to the bag ; 

 the four "teats," which are pendent from it, 

 and through which it flows, having at each ex- 

 treme point a very small orifice which is 

 closed and held fast by the natural elasticity 

 of the membrane, in the manner of a sphincter 

 muscle. 



In the making of butter — as Mrs. Glasse 

 would say — " first milk your cow :" but this, 

 simple as it may appear, is a matter of no 

 small importance ; for if not well done, by a 

 good-tempered dairy-maid, who will use the 



