CHAP, sxi.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 415 



people use those of lead, as being less sub- 

 ject to breakage, and thought to be cooler, 

 as well as to throw up more cream. The only 

 real advantage, however, which they seem to 

 possess, is their being sometimes made with a 

 plug in the bottom, by means of which the 

 milk can be gradually drawn off into a ves- 

 sel underneath, without disturbing the cream, 

 which should be removed with as little milk 

 in it as possible ; for, if any portion be left, it 

 is apt to render the butter rancid. An expe- 

 rienced dairy-maid can however skim the milk 

 with her finger, and there are also skimmers 

 of wood for the same purpose, though it is 

 often done with a common spoon. 



The milk-pans may be placed either upon 

 the floor or on the shelves of the milk-house, 

 according to either being cooler or warmer in 

 summer or winter ; but if placed upon the 

 floor, it should be dry, and if placed upon the 

 shelves, they should not be put opposite to a 

 window; for, though a perfect circulation of 

 air is desirable throughout the room, yet the 

 immediate action of wind upon the surface of 

 the milk is objectionable, as impeding the due 

 rising of the cream, and rendering it rather 



