y6 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



beam and pan being supported on flat spring steel wires. Knife 

 edges become dulled by wear or corrosion, consequently a knife 

 edge balance, in constant use, loses its sensitiveness quite 



rapidly. 



The manufacturers of the Torsion Balance claim that their 

 balances do not become less delicate by use. but retain their 

 original sensitiveness until worn out. This claim seems to be 

 well supported., not only from the nature of their construction 

 but by practical tests. For this reason a scale of this construc- 

 tion was selected, and the one shown in the cut was used success- 

 fully by the dairy students the past winter. It is about 10 inches 

 long and 7 inches high, and although delicate enough to weigh 

 accurately to .05 gram, is quite strong and durable. The left 

 hand pan is provided with a support for the bottle, and the right 

 hand pan is used for a counterpoise and weights. A side beam 

 on which slides a light counterpoise to be used in balancing the 

 bottles greatly facilitates this part of the process. A heavier 

 counterpoise, equal in weight to the lightest bottle one uses, can 

 be kept constantly on the right hand pan. This counterpoise can 

 be made of small shot or a piece of any metal of convenient size. 

 Above the middle of the beam is a graduated scale to which 

 points an indicator that shows very plainly when the balance 

 is in equilibrium. Two brass weights are provided, one weigh- 

 ing 9 grams and one 18 grams. It will be noticed that the bot- 

 tle sets in an oblique position so that the top of the neck is not 

 directly over the pan, thereby decreasing very much the liability 

 of dropping cream on the pan or bottle when running it in. 



The scale if properly used will be very durable. Of course, 

 it is, necessarily, a somewhat delicate piece of apparatus and 

 cannot be handled as roughly as a grocer's scale without injury; 

 but with reasonable care and protection from moisture when not 

 in use, it will last many years. There is a device at the bottom 

 of the scale for locking the pans to prevent them from vibrating 

 when not in use. It is very essential for the good of the balance 

 that these be locked and not allowed to rest on the bearings 

 when set aside. 



Method of using the Scale or Balance. First place the scale 

 on a firm, level shelf or table that does not shake or jar, with the 

 beam to the front, and the pan with the support for the bottle on 



