182 THE MILK SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. 



simply gives the number of bacteria per cubic centimeter as an entirety. Yet, 

 however, in experienced hands the growth of these colonies denotes to a great 

 extent the species to which they belong, and in this way conditions can be 

 checked up. (Borden's Condensed Milk Co., New York, N. Y.) 



It is only reliable in that it shows whether or not care has been exercised in 

 the handling of milk. As usually made, it does not give any indication of con- 

 tagious disease. (Walker-Gordon Laboratory, Washington, D. C.) 



I have used it constantly for six years and believe in it thoroughly. It is, or 

 may be, if properly done, reliable and a direct means of estimating conditions. 

 (Dr. S. C. Prescott, Boston, Mass.) 



Yes ; if age and temperature of milk is known. Does not denote point of con- 

 tamination. (Health officer Los Angeles, Cal.) 



Yes. (J. M. Houston, White Cross Milk Co., Washington, D. C.) 



Yes; if standard be taken to 500,000. (Health officer San Francisco, Cal.) 



Yes. (Health officer St. Joseph, Mo.) 



Reliable enough. We have discovered unsatisfactory conditions by making 

 inspections upon strength of high counts! (Health officer Wheeling, W. Va.) 



We believe it reliable in the hands of the proper person and that it is an indi- 

 cation of unsatisfactory conditions. (Dr. Samuel McC. Hamill, Philadelphia, 

 Pa.) 



I think bacterial count alone is reliable if low and if preservatives are ruled 

 out. If it is high, I think of itself it should not condemn milk, but should lead 

 to inspection of dairy and methods of handling. (Health officer Scranton, Pa.) 



QUESTION 2. Do bacteriologists working independently arrive at approximately 

 the same results in examining samples of a given milking f 



ANSWERS. 



Bacteriologists working independently, but using uniform and standard 

 methods, obtain fairly uniform results. (Chief Bureau of Animal Industry.) 



Approximately; yes. (Surgeon General United States Army.) 



Yes; under the same conditions. (Surgeon General United States Navy.) 



Yes. (Surgeon General Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service.) 



Yes. A variation of 10 or 20 per cent may be made, but this is no objection, 

 as the differences between bad and good milk are so great. (Dr. William H. 

 Park, New York, N. Y.) 



They do. Methods are now standardized by the American Association of 

 Medical Milk Commissions. (Dr. Henry L. Coit, Newark, N. J.) 



Yes. (Dr. R. G Freeman, New York, N. Y.) 



Yes; if their methods are standardized and the samples properly taken. (Dr. 

 M. P. Ravenel, Madison, Wis.) 



Within the limits of variation ; yes. (Dr. C. E. A. Winslow, New York, N. Y.) 



Yes (Health officer Ann Arbor, Mich.) 



Within reasonable limits. (Health officer Atlanta, Ga.) 



I have no information. (Health officer Baltimore, Md.) 



While there is considerable variation in the number of bacteria taken from 

 the same sample, hence at least three samples should be examined in order to 

 get a general average of the number of bacteria in a given sample. By follow- 

 ing this rule bacteriologists working independently would obtain approximately 

 the same results. (Health officer Birmingham, Ala.) 



Yes. (Health officer Bismarck, N. Dak.) 



Yes. (Health officer Burlington, Vt.) 



Have no personal observation on that point. (Health officer Cleveland, Ohio.) 



Yes; providing the bacteriologists use the same methods. (Health officer 

 Columbus, Ohio.) 



Approximately. (Health officer Detroit, Mich.) 



The range of variation is considerable, but the range of conditions is also 

 considerable. The first two or three draws of milk contain a very much higher 

 bacterial count than the later milking. (State board of health, Florida.) 



Yes. (Health officer Jacksonville, Fla.) 



Yes. (Health officer Kansas City, Mo.) 



Experienced biologists do, provided they test the same sample under same 

 conditions. (Health officer Lynchburg, Va.) 



Yes, if the counts are made at the same temperatures, room, or incubator. 

 The media and the temperature should always be stated in a bacteriological 

 report. (Health officer Montclair, N. J.) 



