56 ANNUAL, REPORT. OF THE Off. Doc. 



ting. Our special agents have pushed these investigations so dili- 

 gently and actively that there is satisfaction in knowing that the 

 most of these dishonest dealers were forced to retire from the field. 

 Several defendants are now serving terms in jails. The legitimate 

 oleomargarine dealer is entitled to this protection of his rights, and 

 he realizes the benefits derived from the active enforcement of the 

 laws under which he legally operates and handles the commodity. 

 The pure food laws of Pennsylvania are for the protection of the 

 public and consumer, as well as for the licensed manufacturer and 

 retailer. 



EFFECTIVE AND BENEFICIAL CO-OPERATION. 



As a member ex-oflficio of the Pennsylvania State Live Stock 

 Board, the Dairy and Food Commissioner desires to renew his grat=^- 

 ful tribute to Dr. Leonard Pearson, the efficient State Veterinarian, 

 for the continued friendly help and cooperation so cheerfully ac- 

 corded during the past year. The extensive correspondence of this 

 Division of the Department of Agriculture included many communi- 

 cations from progressive dairymen and farmers, who sought infor- 

 mation relative to improved sanitary conditions of stables and farm 

 buildings, certain economic conditions, and methods of care and 

 feeding of cattle and live stock. As it is the plain duty of the Dairy 

 and Food Commissioner to assist in the advancement of the dairying 

 interests of the Commonwealth so far as practicable, and to aid in 

 the maintenance of the high standing of the dairy industry of the 

 State, it is due to the producers, as well as the consumers, that this 

 branch of agriculture should always receive proper attention and 

 encouragement. In accomplishing these ends I have found the coun- 

 sel and aid of the State Veterinarian to be most helpful. 



CORRECT LABELING OF FOOD PRODUCTS. 



The labeling of food commodities is another subject of importance 

 in the enforcement of the pure food laws. As some one fitly ex- 

 pressed it, many inferior, counterfeit and absolutely harmful food 

 products are ^'labeled with all the heavenly tints and tones of color" 

 to cover their shortcomings and to aid in deception as to quality, and 

 to make them attractive. In many cases the highly colored labels 

 are the only recommendation for the sale of the goods. In a number 

 of instances it was found that so-called fruit jellies, jams, preserves, 

 etc., did not contain a single particle of the fruit after which they 

 were named; that certain so-called "maple sj'rup" was almost wholly, 

 if not entirely, composed of glucose or cane syrup; that bottled 

 fruit brandies were too often a total counterfeit, including the so- 

 called ''foreign package" and its markings. Canned goods are fre- 

 quently mislabeled, chemically preserved or otherwise misleading 

 and disappointing to the purchaser and consumer. The best, high- 

 grade goods are always in demand, but inferior or worthless brands 

 require careful handling on the part of the retailer and consumer. 



DISTINCT TYPES OF BUSINESS PEOPLE. 



There are two distinct classes of packers and dealers; the one 

 who is trying to produce and sell a superior article under its true 

 name and character at a reasonable margin of profit, and who em- 



