1900.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 33. 105 



ful to avoid the surface scum and the sediment at the bottom. 

 The chemist's report upon the character of the water must 

 necessarily be a matter of judgment, based on the analysis 

 and the information furnished by the party sending the sam- 

 ple. Accurate replies to the following questions are neces- 

 sary to a complete understanding of each case, and are for 

 the interest of the person sending the water : — 



1. Sources, whether from spring, stream, pond, reservoir or 

 well. 



2. Character of soil in which located. 



3. Distance from any possible source of pollution, and charac- 

 ter of the same. 



4. Kind of pipe used for conducting the water. 



Ship samples at once by express, charges prepaid. In 

 making the report of an analysis a printed form is used, 

 which explains the results so as to be readily understood by 

 any one. 



The examination of mineral or spring waters for which 

 medicinal properties are claimed, or those intended for com- 

 mercial purposes, does not fall within the scope of our duties. 



Milk. — The samples sent in show a wide variation both 

 in solids and fat, a considerable number falling below the 

 Massachusetts legal standard,* indicating a need on the part 

 of certain milkmen and others of introducing better stock 

 and disposing of inferior animals. 



In taking a sample for analysis, mix the entire milking by 

 pouring three or four times from one vessel to another, and 

 immediately fill a pint bottle. Mark each sample, stating 

 kind of milk (whole, skim or buttermilk) and the tests de- 

 sired, together with the name and address of the shipper ; 

 the package to be marked '■^Immediate Delivery " and sent 

 by express, prepaid. Samples sent from a considerable dis- 

 tance should be treated with four drops of forty per cent, 

 formaldehyde (obtained at any apothecary's), to insure the 

 preservation of the sample. 



Cream. — Everything said in regard to the sampling and 

 shipping of milk applies equally well to cream. 



* In the months of October, November, December, January, February and 

 March, 13 per cent, solids and 3.7 per cent, fat are required, but during the remain- 

 der of the year only 12 per cent, solids and 3 per cent. fat. 



