PA FA VERACKM. 105 
= disturbing asia in itanigs éonsistenve is heat, 
DF ciionladly on drug charged with pasewha. Drug of this 
to a moderate extent in the process of ‘drying. Opium to be 
examined for consistence by touch, should invariably be placed, . 
3 therefore, in shaded and cool verandahs, and the examination 
should be concluded by 9 or 10 o’clock in the morning, and 
before the sun gets hot, When, for want of accommodation, 
jars have to be placed in open yards, their examination should * 
nvariably be undertaken first, and‘in the early morning, The 
examination by touch, for consistence, of opium that is lying 
exposed to the sun’s rays in the months of April, May, June 
and July, when all the examination at the factories is con- 
ted, must always be faulty and conjectural, and Sere 
er be attempted, 
olour.—The ‘natural colour of the. drug runs aoe 
nite shades of brown, froma dullor even bright chestnut 
a reddish-brown, and from a dark mahogany to a blackish — 
brown. It even appears black at times when viewed .in bulk. 
4 These variations are due to causes: -with which we have no 
concern here,-suffice it to say that they are natural, and to a 
gractised eye easily discernikle as the true colours of opium. — 
‘Age and exposure may darken the colour of the drug but — 
not alter its characteristics; and where an alteration 
appears it may be accepted as a sure indication of adulteration © 
Sophistication of some sort, although, again, sophistication of 
drug is ee without any perceptible alteration of 
wed in av ery thin film; this is best somal by press a 
ng surface and a son —_ 
if. > 
