THE SANITARY FACTORS 115 



clair, N. J., was perhaps the earliest to adopt this 

 method in order to secure the co-operation of its citizens 

 in favoring the best milks.) Such ratings have been 

 given out in reports, bulletins, and newspapers, in 

 answer to inquiries, or posted publicly. Besides general 

 observations, publication has been made, by name, of 

 dairy scores, laboratory analyses, and verbal descrip- 

 tions of the sources of supplies. 



Such publication is advantageous with the more 

 inquiring citizens, but such value is largely limited to 

 small communities where that class is numerous. Even 

 the intelligent reader, moreover, may find it difficult to 

 interpret columns of figures for different kinds of data, 

 while the characterization of milks as " excellent," 

 "good," "poor," etc., is but a makeshift for accurately 

 defined grades. Where, however, official grades have 

 been established, supplies may, if desired, be further 

 rated according to bacteria test, etc., within the grades. 



The greatest effect of such publication is, after all, 

 on the dealer. Even if only a few consumers read the 

 list, the dealer is disturbed to find himself rated low and 

 is stimulated to make some effort to improve his stand- 

 ing. But this effect is obtained in much more efficient 

 degree under the grading system, to which we shall 

 give next consideration. 



CONTESTS, CONFERENCES, EXHIBITIONS 



Contests in which dairymen compete for prizes for 

 the best milk have been held by Federal and various 

 State authorities, usually in connection with confer- 

 ences, exhibitions, and fairs. Such contests and the 

 lectures and demonstrations which accompany them 



