FROM FARM TO CONSUMER 257 



is more often a household incubator. Instead of being cold, 

 it is only cool; sometimes actually warm. Milk, of course, 

 cannot be kept well under such conditions. In the labora- 

 tory we are able to keep ordinary clean milk a week or two 

 in a scientifically constructed refrigerator, while the same 

 milk invariably sours within twenty-four to forty-eight 

 hours in the domestic ice box. This, however, is not the 

 end of the troubles, for now the bottle is removed from the 

 refrigerator for use. 



It is customary to open the bottle without wiping off 

 the lip and little cup formed by the paper cap. This little 

 cup is a catch-all for the dirt and dust of the wagon and 

 street. It may hold dirty water from the melted ice 

 which is heaped over the bottles in the wagon. Perhaps 

 the paper cap is removed by pressure from the finger 

 which slips into the milk and perhaps a soiled fork or other 

 pointed implement is used to take out the stopper. In any 

 case, the dirt and moisture on the cap are apt to fall into 

 the milk. If the lip is not clean, the dirt upon it is washed 

 off with the out-flowing stream. Meanwhile the paper cap 

 has been laid upon the kitchen table, perhaps buttered- 

 side downward, and is replaced, if the entire contents of the 

 bottle are not used. Oftentimes the half -emptied bottle is 

 permitted to lie around uncovered to collect flies, dust, 

 and more dirt, as well as to absorb the odors of the kitchen. 

 It is not unusual for milk bottles to be taken into the 

 sick-room, or persons may drink directly from the bottle; 

 sometimes milk bottles are used for holding turpentine, 

 paint, carbolic acid, medicine, gasolene, and other 

 things. Finally, it may not be carefully washed before 

 it is returned. It is no wonder, then, that the farmer 

 and dairyman have a counter-grievance against the con- 

 sumer. 



The watchword for the consumer is cleanliness and cold. 

 If these two precautions are taken, the householder will 

 meet her responsibilities in the case. If the entire contents of 



