ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 191 



It is of the utmost importance in keeping cows clean that the plat- 

 form on which they stand be of proper length. If it is too short the cows 

 cannot lie down comfortably and if too long the droppings will fall on the 

 rear of the platform and the cows will become soiled when lying down. 

 As cows vary in length the platform should be longer, from tlie manger to 

 the gutter, at one end of the barn and gradually taper to six or eight 

 inches shorter at the other end. When large herds are kept the platform 

 on one side of the barn may be longer than on the other side ana tne cowm 

 arranged accordingly. A still better arrangement is some form of mova- 

 ble manger so that the length of the platform can be adjusted to suit eacn 

 individual cow. With this arrangement all can be lined up on tiie gutter, 

 which will be a great help in keeping the cows clean. 



The Care of Milk. 



As soon as it is drawn milk should be removed from the stable to a 

 place provided for the purpose and there aerated and cooled to 50 or 60 

 degrees F. This should be done either by setting the cans into a tank of 

 cold water and stirring occasionally or by passing the milk over a cooler. 

 The latter method is to be preferred if the cooling can be done in a pure 

 atmosphere free from dust. It is of great importance to have a small milk 

 house or some clean room away from the odors of the stable In wiiich to 

 care for milk. 



The sooner milk is thoroughly cooled after it is drawn, and the lower 

 the temperature to which it is taken, the better. Bacteria that get into 

 milk during the process of milking develop very rapidly so long as milk 

 remains at about the temperature at which it was drawn, but as soon as 

 cooled to 60 degrees they develop slowly, and if cooled to 40 degrees their 

 action is almost entirely stopped. Milk cooled to this temperature as 

 soon as drawn and held there will remain sweet and in good condition 

 much longer than if cooled to only 70 degrees or 75 degrees. 



Care of Dairy Utensils. 



One of the first essentials in keeping dairy utensils clean is to have a 

 smooth surface. This fact should be kept in mind when purchasing, and 

 if all seams are not flushed smooth with solder this should be done. As 

 soon as the tin is worn off on the inside, exposing the iron, the utensils 



