Annual Report of the Consulting Chemist for 1886. 303 
It has been repeatedly urged on members when purchasing 
linseed-cake — and it must be done so again — that they should 
stipulate that it be described as "pure," and insist upon 
this word occurring in any contract, and on the invoice. In 
many cases that have come under notice it has been impossible 
to obtain any reparation, owing entirely to neglect of this pre- 
caution. 
By contradistinction to these poor-quality cakes, it happens 
from time to time that the purchaser secures at a low price a 
cake of extremely good quality. As an instance I quote the 
following : — 
Moisture 12-23 
Oil 13-01 
* Albuminous compounds 29 'oG 
Mucilage, &c 32-69 
Woody fibre 7 " 47 
Mineral matter 5 • 04 
100-00 
Coutaining nitrogen 4-73 
This cake I reported upon as being a pure and very fine 
cake. It had been purchased in Liverpool, the price of it in 
December last being 6/. 18s. 9d. per ton. It was quite free 
from sand, and was known as " Chilian " cake. 
On several occasions I have detected the presence of rape, 
and also mustard seed, while ^^iger seed, too, has been a frequent 
source of adulteration. 
Decorticated Cotton-cakes. — These stand next to linseed-cakes 
in importance, but a still further change and deterioration in 
their quality have been experienced since last year. 
In consequence of improved machinery, by means of which a 
greater proportion of oil can be extracted, it has become indeed 
a matter of great difficulty to secure a cake, the condition of 
which is such that it can be safely recommended for use without 
taking special precautions to prevent its hardness (and conse- 
quent indigestible tendencies) being felt to the detriment of 
stock. 
The record of this year shows that the percentage of oil has 
sunk lower and lower, and to meet with a cake of good com- 
position and condition is now of rare occurrence. From time 
to time small lots of really good cake, containing 16 or 17 per 
cent, of oil, and resembling the old style of cake, are heard of, 
but these are snapped up instantly. If more were obtainable, 
it would, I feel sure, find buyers in abundance, even at an 
increased price. 
