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46
found come frcm the dust and dirt that gain entrance into the
milk sold in Lambeth Borough (and elsewhere). 2 to 3 per
cent, of the bacteria caused gelatine to liquefy. Some of the
bacteria are harmless, or even beneficial; the rest harmful, and
may be disease-producing. It must be emphasised that all
bacteria are not harmful.
The conclusions to be drawn from the bacteriological examinations
are (1) that the number of bacteria found in Lambeth
milk per c.c. was considerably above standard, and of these
bacteria many were putrefactive in nature {i.e., liquefying
gelatine) ; (2) that microscopical examination proved the
presence of dust and dirt in the milk, the result of want of care.
These few instances are sufficient to show the need for action
being taken as far as Lambeth Borough is concerned, and what
applies to Lambeth applies to other districts.
It has been recently estimated that about 63,000,000 gallons
of milk are consumed annually in London, whereas the total
number of milch cows within the Metropolitan area is about
3,000 to 4,000. For the purposes of this Report, the Metropolitan
inside (or local) supply of milk from these cowsheds may
be neglected, though it is a point whether all Metropolitan cowsheds
might not, with advantage, be abolished. To take milk for
human consumption from cows that are kept in sheds for nine
months of the year must be attended with more or less risk.
As each cow gives, on an average, 500 galls, of milk per
annum, it may be stated that only 1 to 3 per cent, of the milk
consumed in London is produced locally (i.e., within the Metropolitan
area), the remaining 99 to 97 per cent, being introduced
from without (chiefly rural districts). The history of the milk
that appears on the breakfast table every morning may be given
as follows :—
(а) Obtained from cows in country farms.
(б) Carried in trains to towns.
(c) Distributed to, and stored by, wholesale dealers or con-
tractors.
(d) Sold to and stored by—
(«) Retail dealers, and (b) Customers.