38 HOUSEHOLD BACTERIOLOGY. 



need be no separation in the mind between molds and 

 bacteria, because the occurrence and conditions of 

 growth of both are practically alike. So far as is 

 known, there are no molds that cause such serious and 

 fatal diseases as some of those caused by bacteria. 



Because molds are lighter than the bacteria, it 

 takes much longer for them to settle. The air, 

 then, is likely to contain molds even where it has 

 been quiet so long that the bacteria have all settled. 

 This gives the housewife another reason for the 

 economy of keeping the air of her kitchen, pantries, 

 or any place where food is prepared or "stored, as free 

 from dust and as dry as possible. 



Moldy In old houses it is sometimes impossible to keep 

 food in certain closets or cupboards. The woodwork 

 or plaster and therefore the air is so charged with 

 mold spores that one damp day or the presence of 

 warm, moist food alone will cause them to spring 

 into growth. Such places should be often white- 

 washed and painted or disinfected. 



The spores of molds are often very beautiful in color 

 when seen in mass, and under the microscope they 

 show exquisite forms and delicate ornament. These 

 factors, as well as the substances upon which the mold 

 grows, are used as means of distinguishing species. 



The botany of molds is to many as interesting a 

 study as that of the higher plants. Only a micro- 

 scope can bring out the beauties of this class of dust- 

 plants, which from the standpoint of economy and 

 health the housewife can view with disfavor second 



