278 THE LACTOMETER. 



the shot in the lower bulb enables the inspector, as the milk runs 

 off the lactometer, to judge of its consistence. The color is also 

 noted, as well as the odor and taste. Low specific gravity (below 

 100 = 1.029), together with abnormal watery consistence, and a 

 watery taste, establish the fact of adulteration by water, which is 

 the most common form of adulteration, because the simplest and 

 most convenient. 



If the specific gravity be above 100, it does not follow that the 

 milk is pure and unadulterated. Skimming, by removing the lighter 

 cream, increases the gravity of the milk ; so skimmed milk is heavy ; 

 but it appears at the same time very thin, and the inspector's atten- 

 tion will be at once arrested by the inconsistency of high gravity 

 and a watery character. In this, as in other cases where the inspec- 

 tor suspects adulteration of any kind which cannot be proved by the 

 above-mentioned tests of gravity, consistence, color, and taste, he is 

 instructed to take a sample for further examination by the cream 

 test, chemical analysis, and the microscope. 



