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98
as yet a problem, but the public should be warned that
where the tins bulge out before opening, the contents are
not fit to be eaten. Another sure sign of degradation of
contents, is where the tin on the inside is found to be
blackened from the action of sulphuretted hydrogen.
Pickles were all good and made from fresh vegetables.
In no case was the vinegar adulterated.
Of four Mustards, one was found admixed with about
25 per cent. of flour, but was otherwise of good quality.
The Coffees, also four in number, were likewise genuine.
Lastly, Sweets of different kinds have been analysed.
All of them were found genuine.
In conclusion I would observe that the signs are all of
progress, and I trust that they may continue.— Only two
certificates of prosecution in the present Quarter, as
against sixteen in the past!
I have only now to ask that the Committee will be so
considerate as to keep to the numbers agreed upon when
the arrangement was made with me. This Quarter there
have been 67 analyses instead of 50, besides a certain
number of duplicates.
Michaelmas, 1884.
During the past quarter I have analysed twenty-five
samples of Milk. Of these, seven were adulterated with
respectively, 12, 10, 8, 9, 40, 7, and 18 per cent. of water.
Beside these cases which have been prosecuted, other four
have been considerably diluted.
Five Butters have been examined. Four of them were
of good quality. One, however, No. 114, was one of the
worst samples which I have ever met with. Apart from
the presence of at least 80 per cent. of fat not butter fat,
it was very rancid and unfit for food.