DAIRY PROBLEMS t79 
examination made. The cow should also be kept clean. For- 
tunately, there has been a decided change in this respect, and at 
the present time cattle in dairies are not infrequently groomed 
and brushed, and are sometimes kept in as cleanly a condition as 
ordinary horses. In poorly constructed barns the habits of the 
cow inevitably result in a large amount of manure adhering to 
the animal’s flanks, tail, and udders, and unless this is removed 
by curry comb and brush, and by washing if necessary, it may 
easily find its way into the milk. 
The Stables.—It is much better to have stables on high 
ground, where there is ready drainage, than on low ground. 
Both air and light are necessary in stables, for the best results. 
While the animals are in the yard, as they should be daily, the 
stables should be thoroughly aired. 
The construction of the stable is a matter of considerable im- 
portance. The habits of the cow and the nature of the manure 
are such as render a high state of cleanliness very difficult unless 
the barn is so constructed as to prevent all accumulation of manure 
or other filth. A careful, intelligent milker can procure bacterio- 
logically clean milk in a dirty stable; but it is much easier to get 
good results in one that is clean and conveniently arranged. 
Personnel.—Special attention should be given the persons em- 
ployed on a dairy farm. The milking clothes should be made of 
washable materials. Some dairies insist that this clothing must 
be sterilized each day. A thorough washing and drying of the 
hands should precede the milking. The persons employed in 
the dairy are more likely to be a source of danger than anything 
else. No one should be allowed to handle any milk, to wash the 
milk cans, or to have anything whatsoever to do with the milking 
utensils if he is suffering from or recovering from any contagious 
disease. Nor, indeed, should any farm furnish milk to the public 
if there is a case of typhoid, scarlet fever, or diphtheria among its 
employees, unless a health inspector pronounces the sanitary 
conditions satisfactory. 
