22 



From Joseph Travers & Sons, Loiidou, E. C, January 17, 1896: 



In reference to your qnestiou as to the condemnation of American dried apples on 

 account of their being injured by zinc, we have heard of no cases of the kind in 

 England. The complaint originated, so far as we know, in Germany and found its 

 way in the shape of an item of news into some of the English papers. Since your 

 call we have made some inquiries and can hear of no case of the kind in London. 



From L. R. Eogers, Albion, IS". Y., January 24, 1896: 



I am very sorry the analyses were not completed in time to report at Rochester the 

 22d instant. 



Mr, Metcalf, of the firm of Metcalf & Ferguson, of Pittsburg, met me in Rochester 

 with samples of aluminium wire cloth as a substitute for the present galvanized wire 

 cloth so generally in use. I introduced Mr. Metcalf to a number of jiersons engaged 

 in the evaporating ])usiuess, who looked the samples over. All seemed interested in 

 finding a substitute for the galvanized cloth. The objection to the samples seemed 

 to be that they would not hold their position — that is, the wire would be moved to 

 one side or out of position in scraping the fruit from the tray, thus ruining the tray 

 very quickly. The galvanizing on the other style cloth holds the wire firmly in place ; 

 in fact, same is rigid. 



Mr. Metcalf did not have 8amj)les of the perforated plates, but from the description 

 of them think they will be just the article we want. He is to send me some samples 

 of same in a few days, and later will send me some plates to be used in an experi- 

 ment to be made to test them in actual work by the side of the aluminium wire cloth 

 tray — and checked by the galvanized wire tray — in general use. I hope to be then 

 able to find a substitute for the old method ; also one that will work perfectly. After 

 making the above exx>eriments, I will report to you fully. 



I am very sorry I can not make the experiments now, but the expense would be too 

 great, and to be of any use they should be conducted for two or three days at least 

 as varying atmospheric conditions might require. It is now so late in the season that 

 apples do not handle as earlier in the season ; that is, more solid and less juice. I 

 therefore think the tests will be obliged to wait until early fall. 



I was told in Rochester last night by the party who sold me the galvanized wire 

 cloth I use on all my trays that same was free from zinc or any trace of zinc, as the 

 firm who made same used tin instead. Therefore I could fully guarantee my evap- 

 orated apples free from zinc. 



I await your answer with much interest. 



From Messrs. E. Myers & Co., New York, February 3, 1896: 



In accordance with your request to keep you posted on any developments which 

 might come up in the matter of zinc found or claimed to be found in American evap- 

 orated apples in Germany, we herewith 1)eg to hand you a translation of an article 

 contained in the issue of the Leipziger Zeitung, January 16, 1896, on this subject. 

 The original article in German is in our possession and of course is at the service of 

 the Government if they consider it worth while to have it. 



You will perceive that their own medical colleges recognize the absolutely harm- 

 less character of the worst specimens of American apples found to contain any zinc, 

 even if consumed by the smallest of children. Under this statement of facts it 

 should seem possible for our Government to bring about an amelioration of the 

 police regulations which permit the prohibition of sale of this article of food when 

 it contains the slightest trace of zinc, although recognized to be absolutely harmless: 

 to health. 



Our trade has suffered most materially from this law, as has that of all other 

 exporters of these goods, and we are all hoping for speedy relief through the action 

 of our Government. 



