No. 129.] 31 



surpassingly fine. Even the fourth best would, in the market^ 

 be denominated extra superfine. As on former occasions, Messrs. 

 Hecker & Brothers were first in the field. There were some 

 beautiful specimens of steam-dried Meal. The process of steam- 

 drying seems now to be generally practiced, and possesses thi& 

 great advantage, that it dries the meal more thoroughly than 

 others without destroying its intrinsic qualities. Meal is an arti- 

 cle of large consumption, and when properly dried will find a good 

 market abroad ; the great drawback now is, that on long voyages it 

 becomes musty and useless; we should, therefore, offer every induce- 

 ment for improvements in the process of drying it. It will be pro- 

 per to state here, that there were fine specimens of Hominy, &c., 

 from the American Phalanx, but in quantities quite too small for 

 competition. It is much to be wished that those who intend to 

 send articles for competition would possess themselves of one of 

 our premium lists, in order that they may knoAv the quantity of 

 each article to send ; this would obviate one cause of dissatisfac- 

 tion, and relieve us from much perplexity. Where the article is 

 intended for exhibition only, the quantity is of no consequence 

 whatever. Quinby & Co.'s prepared Flour should not be passed 

 over. This would seem to be a very useful article for domestic 

 purposes, whether for bread, cake, or pastry, being coiiverted 

 into either by a very simple process, and in an incredibly short 

 time. The bread and cake I know to be good. Dr. Chilton has 

 analyzed this preparation^ and pronounces it to be a wholesome 

 ai-ticle of food. There were several fine samples of Buckwheat^ 

 and one from Piatt's mills of extra superfine quality. Passing 

 over articles of less importance, I must allude to a large and 

 beautiful display of Farina, Wheaten Grits, Samp, Hominy, &c.y 

 from Hecker & Brothers. 



Though the display of Flour and Meal has always been large, 

 I have good reason to know that it could be greatly increased. 

 The difficulty is, that some of the exhibitors, at great labor and 

 expense, andby oft repeated manipulations, prepare their speci- 

 mens expressly for competition ; this the majority of makers are 

 not willing to do ; and knowing that otherwise they stand no 

 chance at all, they keep away altogether. I have been assured 

 that they are willing to exhibit a fair sample of the brands they 



