3 68 



Analyses of Dairy Produce. 



sour land, improves the physical condition of the soil, and 

 checks the spread of certain diseases, such as finger-and-toe, 

 among the crops. Moreover, lime acts upon certain 

 soils in which potash or nitrate exists in such a state as to 

 be of no service as a plant-food, and, by setting them free, 

 indirectly supplies nutriment which would not otherwise be 

 available for vegetation. 



It should, however, be borne in mind that, unless the land 

 contains an inexhaustible supply of material for the lime to 

 work upon, or unless plenty of manure is applied along with 

 the lime, it may have a detrimental effect upon the soil. If 

 neither of these conditions exists the lime may stimulate the 

 land for a year or two, but the ultimate effect will be to 

 exhaust the soil. 



Analyses Under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts. 



The Local Government Board returns for 1900-01 [Cd. 746 | 

 show that the total number of analyses under the Sale of 

 Food and Drugs Acts in England and Wales in 1900 was 

 62,858, or nearly 10,000 in excess of the number taken in 

 1899. This increase is attributed to the fact that under the 

 provisions of the Act of 1899 local authorities have a duty 

 specifically cast upon them to enforce these provisions. 

 During 1900 many local authorities have for the first time 

 obtained samples for analysis, and many others have largely 

 increased the number taken. 



Of the samples examined 5,503, or 8 - 8 per cent., were found 

 to be adulterated, and proceedings were instituted in respect 

 of 3,321, penalties being imposed in 2,673 cases. 



More samples were taken of milk than of any other article, 

 viz., 25,223, of which 2,497 were found adulterated. This pro- 

 portion, io-8 per cent., is rather above the average of the six 

 previous years. London continues to show a high rate of 

 milk adulteration, the rate being 14-2 per cent., as against 

 10*3 in thirty-two great towns, and 9*2 in the remainder of 

 the country. In addition to the " adulterated " milk, many 

 amples were stated to be "poor" or " suspicious/' As 



