29(j 



feet butter may jDack it away for long keeping, in the 

 sure exi)ectation that it will go on improving for a con- 

 siderable time, if he will only secure it safely against the 

 influence of the germ-laden atmosphere. 



Other packages used are the half-tub, holding about 

 thirty pounds, a cheap and good package, but not tight 

 enough for long keeping. It is made of wliite oak, and the 

 firm, solid cover is nailed down and held by three small 

 pieces of tin or hoop iron over the edge. The return pail 

 is a popular package among grocery man; it is made of 

 white oak, and the best kinds are varnished on the outside. 

 It holds fifty pounds. The cover fits closely, and is wedged 

 down by means of a bar, which goes into the ears on the 

 sides. Good butter, well packed in these tubs, will keep 

 a year in perfect order, and if the butter is of the finest 

 quality it will improve in flavor by ripening, when w^ell 

 packed in such a pail, and stored in a cold place. The 

 one hundred jDound firkin is used for the foreign trade. 

 It is made very tight, well hooped, and of wiiite oak, 

 and butter packed in it can be kept for months in per- 

 fect order. It is also popular in the home market for 

 the retail trade. In packing these firkins it is advisable 

 to bore a small hole in the head just before it is shipped 

 and pour in as much clear, well skimmed brine as will 

 fill any vacancies between the butter and the package. 

 The bole is closed with a well fitting peg cut off flush 

 with the surface. 



The vital importance of fine quality in butter cannot 

 be dwelt upon too forcibly or reiterated too frequently. 

 And when the simplicity of the methods required to 

 secure this fine quality and their complete practicability 

 are considered, it is amazing to know that really fine 

 butter that will keep for a few weeks or months is so 

 scarce an article. It is often thought that there is some 

 secret process in it, and worthy persons who try and 

 try, and yet fail to reach their ends, become discouraged 



