406 FARM ANIMALS 
12. When cows hold up their milk—Cows are able to 
“hold up” their milk by controlling the muscles that guard 
the milk reservoirs. Some cows acquire this habit, and 
at every milking refuse to deliver it for a time. The 
habit is a bad one and the usefulness of cows is often de- 
stroyed by it. Various causes may be responsible, such 
as irregularity of milking or feeding, loud talking, harsh 
treatment, or the presence of strangers, or unfamiliar 
objects. It is of great importance that young heifers be 
carefully and tenderly managed, so that they will early 
learn to give down their milk and continue so to do. 
Some one has said that a cow should be treated as ten- 
derly and lovingly as a lady. 
13. Hard milking cows.—A cow that milks hard is not 
really an individual who does not like the milker. The 
trouble is not with the cow, 
| = eS ~=Obut with one of the muscles of 
e the teat which closes the teat 
= = opening tighter than it should. 
MILK PLucs 
In most cases the use of the 
a, common teat plug; b, wooden . : 
plug; ¢, instrument for opening teat plug will be sufficient. 
the teat. 
Such plugs may be purchased 
or made at home of rubber or wood. They are placed in 
the teat duct and held fast by a cord or tape. During 
milking the plugs are removed and then replaced when 
milking is finished. This is continued until the opening 
is enlarged. 
In case this treatment is unsuccessful, a simple operation known 
as slitting the teat may be necessary. This is performed by 
passing an instrument with a small concealed knife blade into the 
teat duct, which on being withdrawn cuts the troublesome tightness 
and allows the milk thereafter to be properly delivered. 
14. Milking by hand.—The greater part of all milking 
is done by hand. To milk well, both knack and concen- 
