72 HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



the value of a substantial foundation as a factor in keeping their 

 machines in good repair. Still, there are a few machines that 

 are being used on rather insecure and shaky supports. As a 

 result, these machines are always a little out of level, and run 

 with more or less unnecessary vibration. Some machines, even 

 with repairs suggested in previous inspections, still overheat the 

 samples. The operators of these machines counteract this by 

 allowing the machine to run a few moments at the end of the 

 test with the cover lifted. No machine was found that in- 

 sufficiently heated the samples. The steam gauges, with only 

 one or two exceptions, were found to be in good order. In 

 those cases where they were not in good order, speed indicators 

 are used to check up the speed of the machines. 



Only in one place was untested glassware found. In some 

 cases it was not as clean as it ought to be, but, on the whole, 

 may be said to be in very good condition. 



In addition to the regular work of the inspection, -I city milk 

 inspectors were visited. Only 1 desired an examination, liis 

 machine, an electrical Wizard, was given a certificate. 



The above law is not as coinprehensive as one could wish. 

 It makes no financial provision for the purpose of carrying 

 out the provisions of section 3 (inspection of machines) , but 

 requires the director of the station, or his agent, to make 

 the inspection, and to assess the cost u})on the several cream- 

 eries inspected. The station is obliged to advance the expense 

 out of its treasury, and collect 35 or 40 small l)ills resulting. 

 Most creameries pay with a reasonable degree of promptness, 

 but a few parties are obstinate and slow. 



After the station has issued a certificate of competency to 

 the oi)erator of a Balx'ock machine, it has no further control 

 over said party, even though he may prove careless, and even 

 dishonest in his future operations. The law could be im- 

 proved, and thus give a fuller measure of protection to dairy- 

 men, by a small annual State appropriation, together wdth 

 the necessary authority to make a semi-annual inspection of 

 all Babcock or similar machines, and of all glassware used in 

 connection therewith, and by empowering the director of the 

 experiment station, or some otiier competent i)arty% to rescind 

 the license of all operators who do not appear to be satis- 

 factorily i)erforming their duties. 



