When there are at least four cows milked, a small cream separator will be a good investment. Where a separator cannot be had, hand skimming is advisable if the cream is properly handled. _Ripening of Cream._--The ripening of milk or cream is the natural souring which takes place under proper conditions and which gives butter its characteristic flavor. The quality of butter depends, to a large extent, upon proper ripening. Where hand skimming is practised, set separate milkings in cool, well-ventilated places and allow to stand from twelve to eighteen hours for the cream to rise. Skim the cream off with a cup or large spoon, put it into a can which is kept in a cool place at a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Skimmings from the different milkings are cooled to the same temperature before being added to this stock can. The contents of this can must be stirred each time after adding the cream. When sufficient cream for a churning has been secured in this way the contents of the stock can are warmed to a temperature of 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and in winter 62 degrees Fahrenheit, then allowed to stand in a clean, well-ventilated place for twelve or eighteen hours to ripen. This warming is done by setting the can in a vessel of hot water. Frequent stirring is necessary during the ripening period. Cream properly ripened has a velvety and glossy appearance, with a mild but pleasant sour taste. When hand skimming is not practised the churning will have to be done more frequently to prevent the milk from becoming too sour and giving the butter a bad flavor. _Coloring the Butter._--The natural color of butter when the cows can get plenty of nature’s food is a soft, straw yellow. During the winter, if it is necessary to use dry feed alone, the butter will lack color which can be supplied by the addition of a harmless coloring matter. The amount of coloring matter necessary to use varies with the season but usually 8 to 12 drops of harmless vegetable coloring to every pound of butter will be sufficient in the winter time. This coloring matter may be bought at most drug stores.