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47
most of them contained less saline matter than the
mineral water they represent contain; and that
the only thing they contained in tolerably certain
quantity was carbonic acid gas.
Confectionery.
Twelve specimens of sugared sweetmeats were
purchased and examined. All the specimens were
colored. The agents employed for coloring were
principally vegetable. Two specimens were colored
with cochineal. Six specimens were more or less
adulterated with subtances containing starch. As
sweetmeats are sold as compounds and net
guaranteed as pure sugar, no proceedings were
taken. It is, however, very evident that starch
may be added to a very large extent to the
disadvantage of the purchaser and to the advantage
of the seller. But here again the public ought to
be the best judge. If a child prefers a bon-bon
with starch, the Legislature is surely not expected
to fine tradesmen for indulging the child's taste
when it leads to no injurious result.
No injurious substance was found in any of these
sweetmeats.
Peppers.
Twelve specimens of powdered black pepper were
purchased. Although pepper may be very successfully
adulterated so that the public could be
deceived, yet none of these specimens were found