2-982-014 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

A Maltese Milkman, 1876. Engraving from a sketch by '...a valued correspondent and amateur artist, Major W. O. Carlile, R.A...A complete cure to prevent the adulteration of London milk would be to adopt the Maltese custom of bringing the cow or goat to the door, and having the article direct from the animal. It is a plan which has much to recommend it: there is no need for cans; the cost or trouble of carrying the milk is done away with...men may be seen with goats following them along the streets of Valetta. These men give an occasional cry, which may be 'milk;' and when a door opens and a girl with a jug appears, one of the goats is called, and submits patiently to have her ample udders squeezed into the dish. These goats follow the man, after the manner of flocks in the East, and they seem to be well up in all the details of the milk trade, and to know the particular doors where they will be wanted'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.