MILK-PLASTT OPERATION. 
41 
parties. Naturally the dealer does not want to pay for more milk 
than he receives, and the farmer wants to receive payment for the 
full quantity of milk shipped. 
In an investigation carried on in 1920 some interesting data were 
obtained which illustrated the inaccuracy of the method of determin- 
ing the quantity of milk received at the plant by can measure alone. 
Observations were made on a total of 346 shipments of milk con- 
sisting of 1,102 cans. The cans of milk were examined on arrival at 
the plants before they were dumped into the weigh cans. The 
quantity of milk by measure in cans that were not full was estimated 
by means of measuring sticks, so that regardless of the quantity 
snipped by the producers and the amount lost before the milk reached 
the plants, an accurate check was made upon the fullness of the milk 
Fig. 26.— Weighing milk. One man does nothing but record the weights. Note overhead-lever 
type of scales. 
cans before they were emptied into the weigh cans. The table shows 
the difference between the quantity of milk dumped, as determined 
by can measure, and the actual quantity received, as shown by the 
scales. 
Difference between can-measure and actual-weight receipts of market milk in 346 shipments. 
Number of cans 1.102 
Quantity received, by can measure gallons. . 6.185 
Quantity received, at 8.6 pounds to gallon pounds. . 53.191 
Quantity received by actual weight do 52.191 
Difference do 1 .000 
Per cent of shortage 1.88 
Thus the shortage in the total quantity of milk received was 1,000 
pounds, or 1.88 per cent. The difference no doubt was due primarily 
