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228
loss arising from the decomposition of the milk
through keeping, we are of opinion that the milk
contains not less than 14 per cent of added water.
Now this milk, according to the Somerset
House standard, contained 5 per cent. of added
water, and affords further confirmation of what I
have several times insisted upon in my reports, that
it is almost guess-work to state by how much,
exactly, a milk has deteroriated in keeping.
I explained the matter to the Magistrate, who
listened most courteously, and I was well supported
by your Vestry Clerk.
Besides the stated adulteration of milk, amounting
to 30 per cent. of cases of prosecution, a
number of others are only just inside the border.
We have milks carefully and skilfully watered down
to a gravity which proves how reliable are the
analysis upon which the Society of Public Analysts
has based its standard; but this leaves no margin
for further watering.
Of eight Butters examined, only one was found
to contain at least 80 per cent. of fat other than
butter fat.