foods?_

Frequently scurvy is produced (see page 141), often rickets, and in
other cases simply a condition of general malnutrition,--the child
does not thrive, is pale, and its muscles are soft and flabby.

THE SELECTION AND CARE OF MILK USED FOR INFANT FEEDING

_What are the essential points in milk selected for the feeding of
infants?_

That it comes from healthy cows, and that it is clean and fresh.

_Is it not important to select a rich milk?_

By no means; in fact the very rich milk of highly bred Jerseys and
Alderneys has not been found nearly so satisfactory in infant feeding
as that from some other herds, such, for example, as the common "grade
cows."

_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 deg. F.

Milk produced under hygienic conditions and handled with special care
is sold in bottles in a number of cities under the name of
"certified," "guaranteed," or "inspected" milk. When available such
milk should be used for infants. Of course the extra care bestowed in
its production and transportation increases the cost of the milk, but
the best will usually be found in the end to be the cheapest.

_How should milk be handled in the home when obtained fresh f