ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 229 



best stables, their coats are kept smooth and shining, and one 

 need never fear soihng the hands by touching them. 



A stiff, open brush does good work in remaving dry matter, 

 but soft and damp manure should be scraped from the hips and 

 flanks, and when necessary this should be followed by a washing 

 or repeated washings. It is generally recommended to care- 

 fully wipe the udder, teats, and surrounding parts with a damp 

 cloth just previous to milking. This is for the purpose of moist- 

 ening the dirt and bacteria, which if left dry are apt to be shaken 

 off during the milking. Washing or wiping the udder or in any 

 way agitating it before being ready to draw the milk is objected 

 to by some milkers, who believe that this action makes the cow 

 think she is to be immediately milked, and when the attendant 

 returns half an hour later the usual amount or quality of milk is 

 not obtained. Not a few practical dairymen make a regular 

 practice of cleaning all the udders before milking is begun and 

 notice no bad effect. It is probable that cows become accust- 

 omed to the cleaning and learn not to expect to be milked until 

 the milker appears with the pail. Care chould be taken not to 

 make the parts too wet or the impure water will drip into the 

 pail; they should be only slightly dampened. It is also neces- 

 sary to use care lest the cow takes cold by being washed. The 

 work of cleaning may be lightened by having the hair clipped 

 about the udder and on the flanks, and by the use of clean bed- 

 ding, not too fine. 



The herd requires the most attention when continuously 

 stabled. But it is almost as necessary to clean the animals 

 when pastured as at other times, especially if they are permitted 

 to wade in slimy pools. Wading in clean water is not object- 

 ionable, but cows should always be kept out of foul or sluggish 

 water. The barnyard ought to be so well drained that stagnant 

 pools of water are never seen there. If this is impossible, the 

 pools should be fenced to keep the cattle out. 



THE EMPLOYES. 



Contamination from attendants may be easily avoided. A 

 ^dairyman should know the condition of health of every employe 



