1890.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 211 



ing ingredients are represented in the skim-milk, which is re- 

 tained and fed out on the farm. A cow giving 8,000 pounds 

 of milk in a year would send from the farm in sale-milk, in 

 pounds': nitrogen, 40.8 ; phosphoric acid, 13 (3 ; potash, 12. 

 This would have a value at current rates of insrredients of 

 commercial fertilizers of $9.55. A just comparison of butter 

 and cheese making with the sale of milk must give credit 

 for this excess material, so valuable to the farm. 



8ale^Mill\ 



These facts and figures afford a basis for comparison be- 

 tween these different lines of work and milk selling ; though, 

 in vieAv of the prevailing idea that these methods of coining 

 money out of milk are entirely beneath the notice of the 

 milkman, this kind of ciphering doubtless appears ridiculous 

 on the start. I am informed, by the Secretary of the New 

 England Milk Producers' Union, that the price of summer 

 milk in Boston has been thirty-six cents per eight and one-half 

 quart can, from which transportation is deducted, according 

 to distance. To the inner belt of milk-producing country, 

 or that located near the city, the business of furnishing the 

 city with milk naturally belongs ; and it must have an 

 advantage there that never can olitain in the country. This 

 affords the farmers so situated a profit in the business not 

 open to the wide country. For this reason I have no com- 

 parisons to make with them. It is to the outer circle, where 

 the farmers are trying, vainly, to overcome the disadvantage 

 of distance, that we will give attention. 



The cost of transportation for milk made in this outer 

 circle, as given by this same authority, is twelve cents a can, 

 which, deducted from city price, leaves twenty-four cents a 

 can at the car door. This figure is subject to a further 

 reduction, on account of surplus milk. I am aware this is a 

 factor of uncertain dimensions, but quite sure, nevertheless, 

 to have a place, and cannot for that reason be entirely over- 

 looked. At least, if omitted in the calculation, it is sure to 

 be met in the settlement. I am informed that during the 

 past summer this surplus has amounted to nearly one-fourth 

 of the shipments. This surplus creamed for butter is worth, 

 say, fifteen cents a can, and this is a liberal value to give it. 



