Vlll PKEFACE. 



but who for the most part may not be familiar with its history 

 and production. In a word, the work seeks to present, in a 

 concise yet comprehensive form, all that relates to the history 

 and cultivation of coffee in various countries, and the pernicious 

 effects of its adulteration. The best authorities have been con- 

 sulted in its preparation; and it is to be hoped since it has 

 been compiled in response to repeated inquiries for some such a 

 manual, by persons engaged in the coffee-trade that it may be 

 found acceptable. 



As it would be great temerity on his part, after what has been 

 already stated, to bespeak for the volume any special literary merit, 

 its claims upon the favor of the reader must depend mainly upon 

 the intrinsic value of its statements and facts ; its typographic 

 and pictorial character will bear its own comment. u After many 

 erasures, interlinings, enlargings, and diminishings," it is at last 

 completed, and, as it is the first attempt of a novice, it is deemed 

 right and proper to say (in strictest confidence) that his vocation 

 is simply that of a coffee-broker, one of that numerous fraternity 

 whose business it is to please both buyer and seller, and who 

 should be informed not only as to the present crop, but, to satisfy 

 some, should have an opinion, when it is called for, as to all 

 coming crops, etc., when chatting in the odd moments pending so 

 momentous a transaction as a purchase or a sale (quantity not 

 defined) of coffee. In fine, worthy reader, having thus far de- 

 tained thee with a relation of the intent and purpose of the fol- 

 lowing pages, it only remains, by thy courtesy, to venture the 

 hope that what is now presented concerning the little aromatic 

 berry may linger as pleasantly on thy mind and memory as a 

 fragrant draught of its infusion does upon thy palate. 



KOBEET HEWITT, JK. 



