The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-27

would reveal that it had been tempered
with or new bottom put in, but testing
it again would Immediately show its true
capacity.
THE measures now used by oyster
dealers are, in my judgment, entirely in
adequate TO properly protect all parties
concerned. Being of solid form and of
wood, the action OF the shells and accumu-
lation of dirt soon cuts away the wood at
the top and fills the bottom 50 that the
measures are short Of the required stand
ard. They also become very filthy.
would respectfully recommend that
measure Of metal be adopted. the measure
10 have open meshes at the bottom, which
would do away with the trouble above
mentioned ! would suggest that meas
ures similar to those in use in Baltimore
be adopted
Inspection of MILK Bottles.
Mr.. Haskell says that the question of
inspection of milk bottles has heretofore
been source of controversy, and was
referred to the Attorney for the District to
learn whether or not they are lawful
measures. In an opinion submitted by the
Attorney, which Is quoted in the report,
an affirmative decision is given, to the
effect that dealers in milk and dealers in
Ice cream using half pint, pint, or quart
jars or freeZers are liable under the
statute to have such measures inspected,
and TO be charged the prescribed fee for
the services of the Sealer
Mr.. Haskell further states that numerous
complaints have been sent to his Office re-
garding short measure in milk bottles, and
he states that for the purpose OF fully in
forming himself as to the true situat on n
very carefully inspectedthe bottles used by
three of the leading dealers OF the city. In
80 quart bottles Of one dealer he found an
average shortage of. 4 12 drains in each
quart. In 20 pint bottles belonging to the
same dealer the average was found to be
correct. In 30 quarts of another dealer the
quart bottles were discovered to b. en- the
average 3 Ito drains over. The pint bot
ties Of this dealer were correct while the
half-pint bottles were found short 40 of
a dram.
The quart bottles of the third dealer. &C
cording to the report, we're found l-6
drains over and the pint bottles OF the
same dealer were correct.
Il am Of the opinion" continues Mr..
Haskell, ''tnat there should be an inspec-
ton and sealing of all the milk bottles used
in the District of Columbia FOR the protec-
ton Of the public. As II is practically i'm
possible to blow two bottles alike in man
ufacturing them, but so nearly correct that
a small tolerance would not be IN injustice
to the manufacturer. ! would therefore re-
specially suggest that a tolerance at Inc
rate of IL ounce to a quart be allowed.
The question OF sealing these bottles can be
accomplished by the use of a jewelers. dia-
mond to cut a seal in the bottle. This is
the mode of sealing milk bottles in Bcs-
ton where this branch OF work Is very
carefully looked after and, in my judg-
ment it is the best equipped for satisfac-
tory results in inspecting and sealing OF
any similar office In the country. Should
this matter receive your fay oTable conSid-
GRAFTON l would respectfully recommend
fee OF cents each for all size measures up
TO one-half gallon capacity.
We desire to ask the cooperation OF
the public in the matter of buying and
selling potatoes. The law requires that
this commodity shall be sold by weight.
and sixty pounds to a bushel. We have
given this matter considerable attention
and upon enquiry and investigation find
that there are many persons, especially
those purchasing from the hucksters, who
insist upon having the potatoes measured
when there is disposition on the part OF
the latter to comply with the law. Per-
sons so purchasing believe they are get
ting better measure when, in fact, they
do not get more than forty to forty-ive
pounds to the bushel. We shall continue
to give this matter careful attention, but
would respectfully ask also, the co-opera-
ton OF the Police Department in watch
ing the hucksters who are as rule, tho
most frequent violaters of the law gov
ernlng this matter, and bring TO the at
tention OF the Police Court all violations.
The following is the number and KINDS