ADULTERATION OF FOOD AND DRUGS. 595 
then we find the law altogether at fault. Thus the produce 
of a bull and a mare neither lowed nor neighed , but uttered a 
shrill cry somewhat like that of the goat. The produce of a 
dog and a she-wolf sometimes bark and sometimes howl, 
according to Buffon ; and the produce of a bitch-fox and a 
dog, according to Burdach, barked like a dog, though some- 
what hoarsely, and howled like a wolf when it was hurt. A 
similar remark has been made by all who have attended to 
cross-breeding in birds ; the hybrid of the goldfinch and the 
canary has the song of the goldfinch mingled with occasional 
notes of the canary, which seem perpetually about to gain 
the predominance. Finally, we know how, in the human 
family, a magnificent voice is inherited from a mother as 
often as from a father . — Westminster Review . 
(To he continued .) 
EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT ON THE ADULTERATION 
OE EOOD AND DRUGS. 
The following is the final report of the Select Committee 
of the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the 
adulteration of food, drinks, and drugs : 
“ Your committee have inquired into the subject referred 
to them, and in the course of their investigation have examined 
a great number of witnesses, comprising men of high scientific 
attainments, as well as those whose practical knowledge as 
dealers seemed to point them out as persons likely to give 
useful information.” 
(The witnesses examined are here enumerated.) 
cc Though the witnesses differed both as to the extent to 
which adulteration is carried on, and as to its nature and 
effects, your committee cannot avoid the conclusion that 
adulteration widely prevails, though under circumstances of 
very various character. As regards foreign products, some 
arrive in this country in an adulterated condition, while others 
are adulterated by the English dealer. Other commodities, 
again, the produce of this country, are shown to be in an 
adulterated state when passing into the hands of the dealers, 
while others undergo adulteration by the dealers themselves. 
“ Not only is the public health thus exposed to danger, 
and pecuniary fraud committed on the whole community ; 
but the public morality is tainted, and the high commercial 
character of this country seriously lowered, both at home 
