_Which is the better, milk from one cow or the mixed milk of several
cows?_

The mixed, or "herd milk," is usually to be preferred since it varies
little from day to day; while that from a single cow may vary
considerably.

_How fresh is it important that cow's milk should be for the best
results in infant feeding?_

This depends very much upon the season, and how carefully milk is
handled. As ordinarily handled at the dairy and in the home, milk
should not be used for infants in winter after it is forty-eight hours
old; in summer not after it is twenty-four hours old, and it may be
unsafe in a much shorter time. When handled with especial care milk
may be safe for a longer time.

_What are the two essentials in handling milk?_

1. That it be kept clean and free from contamination. This
necessitates that cows, stables, and milkers be clean, and that
transportation be in sealed bottles; also that those who handle the
milk do not come in contact with any contagious disease. All
milk-pails, bottles, cans, and other utensils with which the milk
comes in contact should be sterilized shortly before they are used,
by steam or boiling water.

2. That it be cooled immediately after leaving the cows, and kept at
as low a temperature as possible; to be efficient this should not be
above 50° F.