1912.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. G7 



Millx, Cream and Feeds for Free Examination. 

 With certain restrictions the resources of the experiment sta- 

 tion are available to residents of Massachusetts who desire in- 

 formation relative to the composition of milk, dairy products 

 and cattle feeds. When necessary, samples taken in accordance 

 with the directions furnished will be analyzed free of cost. On 

 account of the large amount of data on file, it is often possible 

 to furnish the information desired without recourse to analysis. 

 The experiment station will not undertake to act as eonnncu-cial 

 chemists, and, on account of the limited funds at its dis]>osaI, 

 must use its own discretion as to what samples it will analyze. 



Water Analysis. 



The station has analyzed 1 14 samples of water. All probably 

 came from private water supplies. Public water su])plics are 

 under the charge of the State Board of Health, and all matters 

 pertaining to such supplies should be referred to them. Of the 

 114 samples received 80 were from wells, 30 from springs and 

 4 were taken from ponds. 



The results show that farm wells situated near buildings are 

 quite susceptible to pollution and may become sources of infec- 

 tion for ty])hoid fever and other bacterial diseases, while springs 

 situated at a distance from all buildings are the most satisfac- 

 tory and safest. Where a good spring is not available the well 

 should be located as far as possible from dwellings and barns. 



Lead pipe was used in 49 cases. In 9 instances water llowing 

 through such pipes contained lead in appreciable amount, ren- 

 dering the water absolutely dangerous for consumption. 



If a water analysis is desired, application should be made to 

 the experiment station, when a container will be shipped to the 

 applicant together with instructions for taking the sample. Wa- 

 ter received in receptacles other than those furnished will not 

 be analyzed. A fee of $3 is charged for a water analysis. The 

 experiment station does not make bacterial examinations. 



Miscellaneous Wo?-]v. 

 In addition to the work already described, this section has 

 conducted investigations and made other analyses as follows : — 

 1. It has co-operated with the officials of the Massachusetts 



