276 MANUAL OF MILK PRODUCTS 



which give readings with the larger weight. The lower row 

 gives readings in grams and the upper row in percentages. 

 The smaller weight gives readings in grams when the weight is 

 moved from 1 forward. Each notch represents .02 gram, the 

 total value of the small scale being .2 gram. When the small 

 weight is moved from backward, each notch represents a 

 loss of .1 per cent of moisture when 20.2 grams of butter are 

 used. The small weight is intended to be used only in moisture 

 work. In using the scale for Babcock work, the small weight 

 is not used but is left at rest on the figure 1. Then when the 

 scales are balanced, the small weight is negligible. Care must 

 be taken not to let any draft of air, as from an open window, 

 strike the scales when in use, as they are so sensitive that a 

 very slight current of air would throw them out of balance. 

 The scales will give readings in percentages only when 20.2 

 grams of butter have been weighed or, in other words, when the 

 large weight is on 20 (of the gram scale) and the small weight 

 is on zero. 



The cup used is of cast aluminum and is durable and perfectly 

 smooth. The absence of creases or crevices allows it to be 

 cleaned and dried thoroughly. 

 Taking the sample. 



It is necessary that a representative sample be taken for a 

 moisture test. If the butter is sold in tubs, the sample should 

 be taken from the tub with a butter trier, after the butter has 

 been packed. It is best to take three drawings — one from near 

 the edge, one from the middle, and one halfway between the 

 edge and the middle. Some butter-makers test the butter as 

 soon as it is worked. This is a mistake, since considerable 

 moisture is lost in the process of printing and packing. 

 Preparing the sample for testing. 



This is one of the most important and difficult operations in 

 the process of testing butter for moisture. Water and fat do 

 not readily mix, and there is a constant tendency for the water 



