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87
In many districts the larger proportion of samples are
taken informally, and evidence is accumulating that this
form of sampling, when judiciously carried out, is by far
the best method for the detection of offenders. The
analyst for the City of Rochester writes: ''The contrast
between the quality of the [milk] samples collected in
the ordinary formal manner and those without formalities
is very startling, and seems to show that concealed
milk adulteration is still rampant." In one district
the butter samples taken informally were for the most
part purchased from dealers against whom there had been
previous convictions. Of the 119 informal samples
tested, as many as 31 (or 26 per cent.) were found to be
adulterated.
Informal sampling is particularly useful to inspectors
who desire to detect tradesmen in a small way of business
who may be practising adulteration. The agent may, as
ordinary customers do, purchase goods by the half or
quarter ounce, or in halfpenny-worths; but when the
inspector proceeds to procure a formal sample he must
ask for a much larger quantity, so that when, in compliance
with the provisions of the Acts, he divides the
sample into three parts, and one part is sent to the
Analyst, there may be sufficient of the article to enable
a proper analysis to be made. It is often found that
the demand for larger portions of an article than are
customarily sold at such shops puts the trader on his
guard, and that nothing but genuine articles can be
obtained."
10. A record is kept of all analyses of milk made by the
Public Analyst. The average percentage of fat in unadulterated
samples has been found to be the same each year,
viz., 3.6, and of non-fatty solids 8.8.