DISTRIBUTION OF MILK 89 



total time might be saved by having all bottles delivered 

 on front steps instead of at the back door. 



In some sections of the country milk is usually delivered 

 in the daytime, and in other sections it is delivered almost 

 entirely at night. According to the Department of Agri- 

 culture, in 191 8 daylight delivery of milk was practiced 

 in most of the Pacific coast cities, whereas night delivery 

 was more usual in the eastern cities.^ In some of the east- 

 ern cities the practice prevails of delivering at night in the 

 summer months and in the daytime or early morning 

 during the winter months. The principal reasons given 

 for night delivery are: 



"i. Custom. People have been accustomed to having 

 their milk delivered to them before breakfast, and in some 

 cases the same morning's milk is delivered. 



"2. Less delay due to traffic at night. Many dairies 

 prefer the night-delivery system because it is much easier 

 to make the delivery on account of fewer automobiles 

 and other vehicles on the streets. 



"3. Deliveries are made during the cooler hours. In 

 summer this is not only an advantage to the horse and 

 driver, but also less attention is needed to keep milk cool 

 than during the heat of the day." ^ 



In many cities daylight delivery seems to be winning 

 its way, at least in all but the hottest weather. The follow- 

 ing advantages have been given for daylight delivery:* 



"(i) Larger sales of milk; 



"(2) Better collections of cash; 



"(3) Better collections of empty bottles; 



lU. S. Dept. of Agr., Milk Plant Letter No. S3, July. 1918. 

 'Ibid. 



' Report of the Mayor's Committee on Milk, City of New York, Dec, 1917, 

 p. 82. 



