332 BUTTER-MAKING. 



The weighing can conveniently be done by fitting a box 

 similar to an enlarged flat-sided curd pail in shape on a pair 

 of platform scales. After the scale and box have been pur- 

 chased there are iic additional expenses and very little extra 

 labor required. 



Cleaning the Boiler. The amount of coal used will vary 

 with several factors, viz. : cleanliness of flues, sediment in the 

 boiler, condition of fire, kind of boiler, steam leaks, pipe in- 

 sulation, etc. The two first factors are frequently neglected. 

 The flues should be cleaned every morning before the day's 

 run. The inside of the boiler should be kept clean. Heavy 

 scale on the inside of the boiler and flues, and heavy sedi- 

 ments on the bottom of the boiler, should never be allowed to 

 accumulate. Some water naturally contains a large amount of 

 minerals and leaves a heavy deposit in the boiler. The oper- 

 ator should learn to know the condition of the water, and the 

 frequency of cleaning the inside of the boiler be governed 

 accordingly. One cleaning per month is sufficient with most 

 water. In some instances, one cleaning per week is necessary. 



The collection of scale and sediment within the boiler affect 

 the economic operation in at least three ways: First, more 

 fuel is needed; second, the boiler itself is likely to warp; third, 

 foaming or priming of the boiler is likely to occur. If scale 

 clings to the flues when washed, it may be removed by putting 

 some sal-soda and water into the boiler and boil for several 

 hours. Some use a boiler compound for preventing scales. 

 This is not necessary, nor to be recommended except in extreme 

 cases of mineral water. The boiler should be frequently blown 

 off at low pressure. 



Priming of Boilers. When considerable water passes over 

 with the steam the boiler is said to be priming. This water 

 in the steam interferes with the running of the engine. So 

 much water in the steam fills the engine-cylinder and results 

 in broken piston or cylinder-head. The engine jerks and 

 thumps to such an extent that there is danger of breaking other 

 parts of the machinery. 



