132 



THE MODERN MILK PROBLEM 



for the increased cost of farm labor. Finally, these two 

 curves, viz.: the feed curve and the labor curve, were com- 

 bined into one, giving each of the two items the weight which 

 would be attached to it in the maintenance of the average 

 cow. The combination of the feed curve and the labor curve 

 is represented by the dotted line. While this curve does not 

 represent the total cost of milk production, it does represent 

 about 83% of the total cost, and the other factors which go 



FIG. 19. RELATIVE RETAIL PRICES, 1890-1915 

 Milk and Wheat Flour 



to make up the other 17% have probably increased in at 

 least as rapid a ratio. 



After studying this curve there can be no doubt that the aver- 

 age milk consumer is paying much less for milk than is war- 

 ranted by the increased cost of production, to say nothing of the 

 increased cost due to the more elaborate system of distribution 

 now in force. 



Finally, Mr. Kelly draws the following general 

 conclusion: 



