358 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP AGRICULTURE. 



MISCELLANEOUS WORK OF THE DIVISION. 



Among the large number of substances examined and analyzed 

 for the information and benefit of the agricultural classes there are 

 but few which are of such general interest as to make their publica- 

 tion and preservation in this place desirable. 



Since the publication of our last report over one thousand samples 

 have come into the hands of our chemists for examination, and have 

 been reported on with undoubted advantage to the farming commu- 

 nity; this, in a large number of cases, being of a negative sort, pre- 

 venting many from indulging in schemes which possessed no basis 

 in reason, information in regard to minerals, mineral springs, coal, 

 vraste j)roducts, &c. 



In addition to this miscellaneous work, a systematic study of the 

 methods of detecting food adulteration, conducted in the manner de- 

 scribed under " Dairy Products" and "Condiments and Spices", is now 

 making with baking-powders, teas and coffees, ciders, beers and native 

 Avines, flour and meal, &c. 



These studies are not sufficiently completed to be described in the 

 present report. 



The work of the division is constantly increasing, and both the 

 necessities of a large laboratory and the comfort, of those engaged in 

 other parts of the building require that a now building should be 

 provided for the chemical work. 

 Respectfully, 



H. W. WILEY, 



Chemist. 



Hon. Norman J. Colman, 



Commissioner. 



