MILKING A^^D MILKlis^G APPARATUS. 221 



called, between the fingers, is to be avoided, unless as a 

 rest for a short time, or for a good reason. The teat 

 should be taken in the hand from the top and squeezed 

 with a firm, even motion. One may force the milk in a 

 contrary direction, and from the teat to the udder by 

 bad milking, and many cows are injured by this faulty 

 action in careless or ignorant milkers. When the udder 

 is completely filled, the pressure of the distended mem- 

 brane is very great. Sometimes this pressure overcomes 

 the elasticity of the annular or ring-like membrane which 

 closes' the opening of the teat, and the cow leaks milk. 



If it were not for this outlet the cow would suffer; 

 because when the distension of the udder is at a maxi- 

 mum, the pressure then affects the ultimate gland celjs, 

 which are highly nervous, and causes pain ; it further 

 affects the circulatory apparatus, and causes engorge- 

 ment ; the blood in these fine vessels cannot then unload 

 its burden of milk, and this is returned into the circula- 

 tion, with the effect to load the blood with abnormal 

 and therefore diseased matter. From this it will be 

 readily seen that some cows should be relieved of their 

 milk more than once in twelve hours, and that once 

 in eight hours would be better and safer, and would be 

 more productive of milk ; and further, it will be seen 

 how much mischief may result from leaving in the udder 

 a portion of the milk not drawn off, or of drawing it in 

 an improper manner. The udder should be completely 

 emptied of milk at each milking. The cow should not 

 be disturbed during milking, and no person but the 

 milkers should be present. 



The best time for milking is either immediately before 

 or after feeding. To milk while feeding is troublesome 

 and annoying. No singing or droning should be per- 

 mitted, but to speak to the cow in a gentle, petting man- 

 ner would not be objectionable. Constant watch should 

 be kept against any movement of the cow's leg or foot 



