38 
HOUSEHOLD BACTERIOLOGY. 
Moldy 
Houses 
need be no separation in the mind between molds and 
bacteria, because the occurrence and conditions of 
growth of both are practically alike. So far as is 
known, there are no molds that cause such serious and 
fatal diseases as some of those caused by bacteria. 
Because molds are lighter than the bacteria, it 
takes much longer for them to settle. The air, 
then, is likely to contain molds even where it has 
been quiet so long that the bacteria have all settled. 
This gives the housewife another reason for the 
economy of keeping the air of her kitchen, pantries, 
or any place where food is prepared or stored, as free 
from dust and as dry as possible. 
In old houses it is sometimes impossible to keep 
food in certain closets or cupboards. The woodwork 
or plaster and therefore the air is so charged with 
mold spores that one damp day or the presence of 
warm, moist food alone will cause them to spring 
into growth. Such places should be often white¬ 
washed and painted or disinfected. 
The spores of molds are often very beautiful in color 
when seen in mass, and under the microscope they 
show exquisite forms and delicate ornament. These 
factors, as well as the substances upon which the mold 
grows, are used as means of distinguishing species. 
The botany of molds is to many as interesting a 
study as that of the higher plants. Only a micro¬ 
scope can bring out the beauties of this class of dust- 
plants, which from the standpoint of economy and 
health the housewife can view with disfavor second 
