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25
of the milk stored in this place has not proved infective,
notably that for nursery purposes. It may consequently be
inferred that the atmosphere of the storehouse does not
contribute in any appreciable measure to milk pollution.
Now, if the facts brought forward by this report, in support
of the argument therein contained, are correct—and
much trouble has been taken in their verification; and if
the conclusions deduced from them are sound—and they
appear to me to follow as corollaries, then the scope of the
enquiry is now reduced to very narrow limits, and within
the boundaries of the Depot Yard, and in a space measuring
80 ft. by 20 ft. superficial area, namely, that section of the
yard where the handling of the milk takes place, must the
infecting agent be at work.
The chief business carried on in this place is the conveyance
of churns from vans to the storehouse; the conveyance
of churns from the storehouse to carts and trucks, the
washing and general cleansing of churns and cans, and the
cleansing of carts and trucks.
The north side of the yard is bounded by the block of
buildings constituting in its upper part the quarters of the
manager, and in its lower, offices for business purposes. In
the basement is the storehouse for milk. The storehouse
door opens upon the yard, which is approached by the
ascent of six or seven steps. At the top of these steps is
situated a large tank, the walls of which are of concrete.
Next to this receptacle, and entering into the formation of
one of its side walls, is an iron cauldron used for boiling
water in large quantities for washing purposes. Beyond is
a range of troughs.
To the tank here described and its contents, I wish
especially to draw your attention. When first observed
the water was clean and sparkling in appearance, nor was