View report page

59
trying the simple method was to demonstrate that purification was
possible.
"To sum up, both samples were free from cyanide of potassium, and
in my opinion both articles could be readily purified so as to be fit for
use as flavouring matter or as a drug respectively."
In accordance with the Report of Dr. Teed the quinine and vanillin were
allowed to be sold.
The following are extracts from the annual series of Diplomatic and
Consular reports:—
Messina.—"Impure Water for Citrons in Brine.—Inconsequence of
the reports furnished by the United States Consulate at Messina, and
this Vice-Consulate regarding the filthy conditions under which the
citrons were salted previous to shipment to manufacturers of candied
peel, the demand fell off very materially.
"Large shipments were rejected at New Vork under the Pure Food
Act, after official analysis, and such loss entailed on the shippers in
Messina.
"One result was that the syndicate of Messina issued a decree whereby
no water from the harbour or anywhere along the quay where the town
sewers discharge their contents was to be used in the preparation of foodstuffs
of any kind, anyone infringing this regulation being liable to
prosecution.
"In practice, however, this decree was almost a dead letter, a walk
along the water front any day in the season giving ample ocular demonstration
that the abuse continued to all intents and purposes unabated;
I can find no instance of the prosecution of any individual, though such
may have taken place.
"The use of contaminated water obtains equally in most of the small
towns along the coast of Messina province, although there exist, or
existed, certain works established where the sea water was pure."
Syracuse.—"Pickled Orange and Lemon Peel in Brine.—The total
number of casks of bitter orange and lemon peel exported during 1908
was 3,460 ; to the United Kingdom, 2,444, to New York, 900, and to
Messina (Italy), 116, representing an aggregate weight of 1,624 tons.':
"Citrons in Brine.—The total number of casks of citrons (halved) in
brine exported during the year 1908 amounted to 471, all of which were
exported to the United Kingdom, the aggregate weight amounting to
237 tons."