STATE CONTESTS.

Since the national contest was held several States have had similar exhibits in connection with the State dairy association meetings. Among them may be mentioned New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts. These contests have proved of great benefit to dairymen, particularly in pointing out defects in the product and in the styles of bottles used, and suggesting remedies for the same. One of the most common defects in milk, and one which can readily be seen, is the foreign matter in the bottom of the bottle, consisting usually of particles of manure, hair, bedding, etc. The presence of dirt indicates careless and uncleanly methods in production and handling. Another common defect is off-flavored milk, which may be due to a variety of causes, as (1) to feeding strong-flavored foods, such as turnips, garlic, etc.; (2) to feeding certain foods to excess, as, for example, silage; (3) to odors of silage or manure in the stable; (4) to particles of manure and dirt getting into the milk, and (5) to not properly rinsing the bottles after using washing powders. Dairymen as a rule have been quick to see these defects when pointed out and to appreciate the importance from a business standpoint of producing milk as nearly perfect as possible.