Check the temperature of the water bath containing the nutrient agar. Test the temperature of the outside of the agar container with your hand. It should be warm, but not too hot for your bare hand. Why? _________________________ Pour the melted nutrient agar into one of the dishes (to about one-third full) (FIGURE 54.3b). Cover the plate, and swirl it gently (FIGURE 54.3c) to distribute the milk sample evenly through the agar. Continue until all the plates are poured. When each plate has solidified, seal with tape, invert it, and incubate all plates at 35 degree C for 24 to 48 hours.