l66 CONTROL OF THE MILK-SUPPLY. 



brushed, and are sometimes kept in as cleanly a . condition as 

 ordinary horses. The habits of the cow, especially when closely 

 confined in the stall, inevitably result in a large amount of manure 

 adhering to the animal's flanks, tail, and udders, and unless this 

 is removed by curry comb and brush, and by washing if necessary, 

 the character of the milk is sure to suffer. 



The Stables. It is much better to have stables on high giound, 

 where there is ready drainage, than on low ground. Both air and 

 light are necessary in stables, for the best results. Each cow 

 should have three to four square feet of window surface, and 400 

 to 450 cubic feet of air space. While the animals are in the yard, 

 as they should be daily, the stables should be thoroughly aired. 



The cleanliness of the stable is a matter of utmost importance. 

 The habits of the cow and the nature of the manure are such as 

 render a high state of cleanliness very difficult. But the dairyman 

 should understand that all accumulation of manure or other filth is a 

 direct detriment to the quality of the milk. The removal of the 

 manure from the stalls should be as frequent as possible, never less 

 than twice a day. The manure, when removed, should be taken as 

 far as possible from the barn, and should never be heaped outside, 

 close by the barn nor be allowed to accumulate in the cellar. By 

 far the best method is to distribute it daily upon the fields, where it 

 may serve as a fertilizer. Attention should be given to the dust, 

 cobwebs and hay that may be clinging to the ceiling of the barn, for 

 all such are traps for accumulating dirt, as well as sources of bacteria, 

 thus aiding in the contaminating of the milk. Plastered or sheathed 

 walls and ceilings are very much to be preferred to a rough finish. 

 The bedding of the cattle is a matter of some importance also; and 

 clean shavings appear, on the whole, the best for this purpose. A 

 coat of whitewash should be applied with a spray pump at least once 

 a year. 



Personnel. Special attention should be given the persons em- 

 ployed on a dairy farm. The milking clothes should be made of 

 washable materials. Some dairies insist that this clothing must be 

 sterilized each day. A thorough washing and drying of the hands 

 should precede the milking. All these measures are necessary, 



