DAIRY METHODS 143 



infectant must be applied. In choosing the disinfectant for the 

 purpose one must be guided by conditions. One of the best is 

 corrosive sublimate, *4 z - to tw gallons of water; but this is 

 intensely poisonous, and is unsafe to use where cattle are to be 

 subsequently stalled, unless absolutely thorough washing with 

 water follows the use of the sublimate. Corrosive sublimate 

 also corrodes metals badly and cannot be used upon metallic 

 surfaces. Chloride of lime, 6 oz. to a gallon of water, is an 

 extremely efficient disinfectant, its disinfecting power being 

 due to the chlorine which it contains. It is less harmful than 

 corrosive sublimate, but its odors make it sometimes more ob- 

 jectionable. No other disinfectants are as satisfactory as these 

 two. A partial disinfection, which is sometimes quite sufficient, 

 may be obtained by applying a thorough coat of whitewash, 

 which may be put upon the walls, ceilings and floors with a 

 spray pump. This also makes the room lighter and brighter, 

 and is eminently useful. Indeed, all barns should have a coat 

 of whitewash applied, at least twice a year, if they are to be 

 kept in proper condition. 



Disinfection of the dairy proper follows the same general 

 methods described above, excepting that the premises are kept 

 cleaner, so that the original cleaning and scraping are commonly 

 not so necessary. The use of the corrosive sublimate is espe- 

 cially undesirable here, and the use of chloride of lime must 

 be followed by thorough airing to remove the odor before the 

 dairy is used again. If the nature of the room is such that it 

 can be tightly closed, it may be disinfected by formalin. The 

 application of the formalin is rarely advisable, excepting in the 

 hands of someone who thoroughly understands it, and the de- 

 tails of the method need not be given here. The treatment of 

 dairy utensils by boiling water and steam is usually sufficient, 

 and if thorough, quite sufficient for practical disinfection. 



