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recognised that peas, beans, spinach, cocoa, and many
other common articles of food naturally contain minute
quantities of copper, and the presence of this metal must
not therefore be too hastily taken as evidence of
adulteration.
Of the samples of gin and rum analysed 9 out of 28
proved to have been watered, in every case but one very
slightly so, in fact the proportions added would hardly
be worthy of mention but for the fact that in the
case of spirits a legal limit is fixed, and all spirits as
received by the retailer are far above the standard and are
as a general rule considerably diluted before being sold.
The 3 samples of pepper reported against contained
an excessive quantity of mineral matter the result rather
of carelessness in storing than of any deliberate attempt
at adulteration.
The remaining samples call for no special mention.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
CECIL H. CRIBB, B.Sc. (Lond)., F.I.C.,
Public Analyst.
N 2