2 COFFEE. 



prove of immediate interest and benefit to dealers in coffee as 

 well as coffee-drinkers. 



The present undertaking originated in my love for a good cnp 

 of coffee, and a curiosity to know why there existed such a wide 

 range in the quality of the article at my own table, as well as at 

 others. I began by investigating the mysteries of the kitchen ; 

 and this led to an examination into the different ways of making 

 the beverage, including the use of many patent coffee-pots ; the 

 degree of fineness to which the coffee should be ground; the 

 method and extent of roasting ; the deterioration in quality after 

 roasting ; the best receptacle for the preservation of the aroma ; 

 and finally, in connection with my own business, a study of the 

 varieties and qualities producing the best results. This, as may 

 be inferred, extended over a period of several years, and through 

 many hundreds of experiments, and since then I have had an op- 

 portunity to verify impressions then formed by observations made 

 in some of the principal coffee producing and consuming countries. 



Grown in different and widely separated parts of the world, it 

 is natural that there should be a considerable difference in the 

 appearance, quality, and flavor of coffee. It is not, therefore, 

 strange that individual tastes, accustomed to the use of a particu- 

 lar variety, should prefer it to other kinds which possess, possibly, 

 even greater intrinsic value. It is this difference in tastes and 

 opinions which renders it a difficult task for even an expert to 

 point out an infallible way of suiting every consumer. There are, 

 however, conditions both in the selection and preparation of the 

 bean which apply equally to all varieties, and which, if observed, 

 will add greatly to the satisfaction of lovers of coffee. It is not 

 within the scope of this little volume to treat of matters that 

 chiefly concern the producer, except to take a cursory glance at 

 such items as may have a direct bearing upon supply ; such, for 

 instance, as the ravages of leaf-disease in Ceylon, or the labor 

 problem in the empire of Brazil. 



In the start I recognize that prejudice, the result of habit, is 

 met with at every turn. There are honest differences of opinion 

 as to what constitutes a good cup of coffee, and therefore it is not 

 my design to attempt to convince the lover of black coffee that a 

 weaker beverage is the more palatable, or to argue with those who 



