PURE AND IMPURE FOODS. Edited by C. F. LANGWORTHY, PH.D. Author of "On Citraconic, Itaconic and Mesaconic Acids," "Fish as Food," etc. USES AND PROPAGATION OF WILD RICE. While by far the largest demand for information regarding this plant has come from men or organizations wishing to secure viable seed for planting near shooting grounds to attract wild fowl, the possibility of preparing from one seed a large and regular supply of a nutritious and highly flavored cereal food has received some attention. The importance of maintaining good feeding grounds for wild fowl, of which the propagation of wild rice is an important element, would perhaps be conceded by all, and the desirability of propagating a plant which will make the otherwise waste areas of the upper Mississippi valley yield a valuable and highly esteemed Icereal is also evident. While wild rice and the ordinary rice both belong to the great family of grasses, the 2 grains are not closely related botanically. Wild rice contains some 13 per cent. protein and 75 per cent, carbohydrates, with a little fat and ash, the fuel value being about 1,600 calories a pound. Ordinary rice contains 8 per cent. protein and 79 per cent. carbohydrates; barley 8.5 per cent. protein and 78 per cent. carbohydrates; and rolled oats 17 per cent. protein and 66 per cent, carbohydrates; the fuel value of these grains being 1,600, 1,650 and 1,850 calories a pound respectively. As will be seen, wild rice resembles common cereal grains in composition. As is the case with wheat, rye, barley, and other grains, the greater portion of the nutritive material consists of carbohydrates, although the quantity of protein is proportionately large. Wild rice contains little fat, in this respect resembling rice, barley, and wheat more closely than corn and oats. In composition and fuel value, it compares favorably with the common cereal grains. Little is known of the comparative digestibility of wild rice, but from its extended use by the Indians and others it seems safe to assume that this grain is wholesome, and, as said above, analysis shows that it is, like the more common cereals, a nutritious food. As far as can be learned no extended study of the proteids, fats, and carbohydrates of wild rice has been carried on. Some tests which were recently made showed that starch is present in large quantities and in the form which gives a blue color and iodin; and indications were observed of an enzyme which caused fermentation of the grain when moistened. The grain is usually parched to aid in the removal of its outer hull, and is beaten and tramped before winnowing. This breaks most of the grains into large or smaller fragments so that the resulting product resembles the so called cracked grain, a form in which common cereals like wheat are often eaten. The unbroken grain is not unlike a slim kernel of wheat in appearance, its outer covering being dark brown or almost black in color, when the grain is well ripened. If this dark layer is removed the grain is almost white and has something of the translucent appearance of rice. When wild rice is soaked in water, a peculiar odor is noticeable, recalling that of damp hay. When it is boiled it also possesses a characteristic odor, something like that of boiled barley. The raw grain has a starchy taste, while the cooked grain resembles barley much more than it does white rice in taste. The flavor of wild rice is characteristic and is relished by many. When cooked, the wild rice kernels expand to about 2 or 3 times their original size, and except for the bits of dark outer covering ordinarily present the cooked material is of a grayish white color. In Minnesota and adjacent States where wild rice is best known it is usually eaten as a breakfast cercal, or cooked in much the same manner as ordinary white rice. PUNCH. Concerning the name punch, the author of "Cakes and Ale" states that "Doctor Kitchener, an acknowledged authority, during his lifetime, on all matters connected with eating and drinking, has laid it down that punch is of West Indian origin, and that the word when translated means 5; because "there be 5 ingredients necessary in the concoction of the beverage. But Doctor Kitchener and his disciples, of whom there be many, may go to the bottom of the cookery class; for although from the large connection which rum and limes have with the mixture, there would seem to be a West Indian flavor about it, the word 'five' when translated into West Indianese is noth. ing like punch.'" Having satisfied themselves that this is a fact, modern authorities have tried the East Indies for the source of the name, and have discovered that panch in Hindustani really does mean "five." "Therefore," says one modern authority, "it is named punch from the 5 ingredients which compose it, spirit, acid, spice, sugar, water." Another modern authority calls punch "a beverage introduced into England from India, and so called from being usually made of 5 (Hindi, panch) ingredients, arrack, tea, sugar, water and lemon juice." This sounds far more like an East Indian concoction than the other; but at the same time punch, during the latter half of the 19th century, at all events, was as rare a drink in Hindustan as bhang in Great Britain. The panch theory is an ingenious one, but there are plenty of other combinations, both liquid and solid, of 5 to which the word punch is never applied; and about the last beverage recommended by the faculty for the consumption of the sojourner in the land of the Great Mogul would, I should think, be the entrancing, seductive one which we Britons know under the name of punch. Moreover, it is not every punch concoctor who uses 5 ingredients. In the minds of some youthful members of the Stock Exchange, for the most part, water is an altogether unnecessary addition to the alcoholic mixture which is known by the above name. And what manner of man would add spice to that delight of old Ireland, "a jug o' punch?" On the other hand, in many recipes, there are more than 5 ingredients used. After all, the origin of the name is of but secondary importance, as long as you can make punch. FOODS SOLD IN PACKAGES. Foods sold in packages are as a rule more expensive than the same articles sold in bulk. On the other hand, they are not handled so much as bulk goods, and are to a greater or less extent protected from dirt and insects. That the package idea in foods is popular with the American housewife is shown by the marvelous sale of breakfast foods. According to a recent writer, "Already there are more than a hundred varieties of cereal, fruit and nut foods on the market. with an output of nearly $50,000,000 worth a year. In the food factories the cartons are cut, printed and folded automatically: and after they have been automatically filled with cereal food they are closed with paste and machinery. One Chicago factory spends more than $5,000 a day on cartons. One factory spends more than $100,000 a year for paraffine paper to wrap the product inside the carton. It is estimated that it costs $400 to $800 in advertising to sell $1,000 worth of breakfast food; but as a market can be created for the product in no other way, the manufacturers must spend money in persistent publicity. "It will be seen at a glance, therefore. that the package idea in foods costs money: but the consumer is willing to pay for it. What does it mean to the consumer? What advantage is there in the package idea over the open cracker barrel of our boyhood days, in which the cat slept at night, in which the mice played hide and seek, and from which we filled our pockets before going to school? It is easy to see that cleanliness and purity are on the side of the package product; that is, if the factory is clean, and most of them are. In eating the contents of a carton of cereal food you at least feel that you do not include the sweepings of a grocery store or the dust blown in from the street; but the package food has more than this to commend it. It is a picked food, and a picked food means picked men and women for an age in which the race for achievement calls for the best brains and brawn that the best dietetic science can produce." Have you any friends who are interested in hunting, fishing, natural history, game protection or amateur photography? If so why not send each of them a year's subscription to RECREATION for a Christmas present? The stories in RECREATION are the actual experiences and observations of men who live out of doors, who shoot, fish photograph and study nature; and they depict outdoor life as it is. In no other way could you give a friend so much value for the money as by making him a present of RECREATION. "Perkins entered into an agreement with his wife soon after their marriage, 20 years ago, that whenever either lost temper, or stormed, the other was to keep silence." "And the scheme worked?" "Admirably. Perkins has kept silence 20 years."-London Tid Bits. PUBLISHER'S NOTES. THE BIG GAME STATE. Latest reports tell of plenty of big game in all parts of Northern Maine. The Bangor & Aroostook railroad has pushed its 400 miles and more of steel pathway far into the favorite haunts of Maine's big game. This makes it easy for visiting sportsmen to ride in the height of comfort to the very station of their choice. Then one is in closest touch with the game itself, and whether or not he carries home a handsome trophy depends on his own skill and prowess as a hunter. In order that sportsmen may become more familiar with the manifold attractions of the Maine woods, the passenger department of the Bangor & Aroostook railroad has issued a 180 page guide book entitled "In the Maine Woods," which is sent to any address by C. C. Brown, G. P. & T. A., Bangor, Me., on receipt of 10 cents to pay postage. This book is beautifully illustrated with over 100 half tone cuts depicting hunting, fishing, canoeing, camp life and rare scenic effects in the immense playground of which it treats, has 2 full page colored inserts, and is replete from cover to cover with just such information as the sportsman is most in need of and most anxious to know before making a trip to the Maine forests. GODFREY'S ACTION REFUTES CHARGES. Ac Chas. J. Godfrey, 4 Warren street, New York city, is one of the old time reliable gun dealers of this city. He advertised in RECREATION during 1896 and 1897 and when I advanced my ratęs he withdrew. cording to some of the liars who are active in advertising RECREATION, I should then have denounced him and should have improved every effort to turn trade away from him. On the contrary, I recognized Mr. Godfrey's right to advertise in RECREATION or not, as he might see fit, just as I recognize the right of every advertiser in the world. Mr. Godfrey and I have been good friends all these years, and have had many a pleasant chat during that time. He comes back into RECREATION of his own free will and accord, and will probably be represented in its pages for years to come. Whether he does or not is his own affair, and I bespeak for him the confidence and good will of all my readers. I assure them that any orders they may entrust to him will be carefully and promptly filled. Mr. Godfrey prints a complete catalogue of sportsmen's goods, which can be had by writing him a postal card. When you do this please mention where you saw his ad. As the holiday season approaches good men are looking about for appropriate presents for their lady friends. All such should remember that, the old reliable house of Higgins & Seiter, 50 West 22d street, New York city, carries the most complete and extensive stock of fine cut glass and china ware in the world. They issue a beautiful catalogue which contains artistic illustrations of many of their leading articles. A copy of this catalogue can be had for the asking, and it will prove of great interest and assistance to any one who is struggling with the holiday problem. Among the great variety of goods carried by this house I can think of nothing more appropriate for a married woman than one of the tomato or watermelon sets advertised in RECREATION. These plates are hand painted in beautiful designs and are put up in a case the shape and color of a big watermelon or a big tomato, as desired. Then there are cut glass salad bowls, dinner sets, exquisite glass and china vases and a great variety of other articles that would delight the heart of any woman, married or single. In writing for catalogue, please mention RECREATION. The sportsmen of the Puget Sound country owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Frank Alling, of Tacoma, who has for several years past been importing and liberating Chinese and Japanese pheasants and quails in the vicinity of Tacoma, Seattle, and other coast towns. Mr. Alling has also imported many thousands of black bass from Eastern waters, and has planted them in lakes in the vicinity of the Sound. Some of these experiments were made several years ago and. one lake is now so well stocked with black bass that anglers are enjoying excellent sport there. Mr. Alling is one of the most enterprising and liberal men in that country and is constantly on the lookout for 'some opportunity to benefit his fellow men. At this writing he is making a long tour of the Eastern States and avails himself of every opportunity to draw the attention of young men and women to his home city, Tacoma, which, by the way, is growing at a remarkable rate. Mr. Alling suggests that all persons looking for homes in the West should write the Chamber of Commerce, at Tacoma, asking for information. D. M. Lefever, Sons & Co. have moved from Syracuse, N. Y., to Defiance, Ohio, where they have put up a fine new building of ample size, fully equipped with modern gun making machinery and affording ample office room for handling their rapidly increasing business. The company has been reorganized with additional capital, an increased number of skilled mechanics have been employed and, in fact, Uncle Dan has one of the finest gun factories in the country. As every shooter knows, Uncle Dan has been in the business over 40 years, and thousands of the best and finest guns in use in this country are specimens of his handiwork. He will still give personal supervision to the selecting of material and the making, finishing and inspection of every gun turned out of the new factory; and whenever you see a gun with the name D. M. Lefever stamped on it you may know it is as good a gun as can be made for the price. When you write the company please mention RECREATION. Thousands of amateur photographers who have had occasion to visit professional studios have been surprised at the antiquated, rough looking cameras and other equipments found in such places. These goods are usually on the order of carpenters' work benches, or of the fede boxes to be found in any well regulated barn. There is no reason why a professional photographer should not have well finished, tasteful cameras, plate holders, work benches, tables, etc. The Century Camera Co., of Rochester, N. Y., has realized the need of improvement in such goods, and is now making and putting on the market for the use of professionals a line of cameras that are more like, in finish and working qualities, the fine goods which these people have been turning out exclusively for amateur photographers. The enterprising professional will hail this new departure with delight and the Century people will certainly receive large numbers of orders for their Rew outfits. Spratt's Patent, Newark, N. J., has issued a pocket map of the World's Fair at St. Louis which will be of special value to all sportsmen visiting the Fair. It indicates by a conspicuous red star the location of the Forest, Fish and Game Building, in which Spratt's exhibit is placed, and with this map at hand any person may make a beeline for that building as soon as he gets through the gates. The map shows as well the locations of all the other buildings, and there is an index in the margin by means of which any building or any section of the grounds may be easily found. Every intending visitor to the Fair should write Spratt's Patent for a copy of this map. In accordance with a rule instituted some years ago, the C. P. Goerz Optical Works in Berlin have again this year given a week's holiday to all the workmen of their factories in Berlin and Winterstein, Germany, as well as the employees in the New York branch factory. The workshops in Germany were closed from September 5th to 12th, and in New York from August 20th to 27th. Taking into consideration that the firm is working overtime, with day and night shifts, the value of this concession to their workmen who r ceive full pay for the week of vacation, will be all the better appreciated. J. N. Prothero, of DuBois, Pa., is in the market with a new gun cabinet, and I suggest that all readers of RECREATION who may be looking for anything of that kind write him for his catalogue. This cabinet is not so large as some of the others and consequently not so expensive. It is made of well seasoned oak, by skilled workmen, and while it holds 5 guns, it requires but 2 square feet of floor space. The cabinet sells at $15 and should certainly prove a good investment to any man who has one or more guns to take care of. In writing for catalogue please mention RECREATION. A GREAT LOSS TO THE LEAGUE. Mr. Chas. F. Emerson, who for 5 years past has so ably filled the position of Chief Warden of the Pennsylvania Division of the League of American Sportsmen, died at his home in Titusville, Pa., September 6th last. In his death the cause of game and bird protection has lost a friend. and a worker whose place it will be well nigh impossible to fill. During all these years he has repeatedly neglected his own business to make long journeys to remote parts of his district and to the annual meetings of the League, and has always contributed largely from his private means in carrying on this work. He has persistently declined to accept any of the funds accruing from League memberships in his Division, insisting that all such money should be expended from this office in our general work; yet the work of his Division has been carried on as vigorously and as systematically as in any of the others. Mr. Emerson was an ideal American gentleman and sportsman. Furthermore he was a true and generous friend of the wild animals and birds, and no task assigned him was too onerous or too difficult to be performed promptly and efficiently. The high esteem in which Mr. Emerson was held by his fellow townsmen was feelingly expressed in these words by the clergyman who spoke over his remains : "Next to Mr. Emerson's love of country should be placed his love of nature. He knew a great deal about God's out-of-doors, and enjoyed mountain and stream, bird and flower. A love of nature goes hand in hand with an appreciation of everything that makes for human culture. He maintained among us the traditions of the cultivated gentleman. Give to that word gentleman its historic meaning and when you say he was a gentleman you have used the word that really describes his character. I have heard that phrase applied to him very often this week. Thus the community appreciates his character. He was gentle, considerate, courteous, kind, helpful." The many officers and other members of the League who have met Mr. Emerson in the various annual assemblies thereof, will all say amen to this sentiment. PRIZES FOR GOOD DRAWINGS. With a view to stimulating among boys and girls the study of wild animals and birds and the development of artistic taste, RECREATION now offers a series of prizes as follows: For the best sketch of a live wild animal in action, $10. For the best sketch of a live wild bird in flight or other action, $8. For the best sketch of a live domestic animal in action, $6. For the best sketch of a live domestic fowl in flight, or other action, $5. Studies may be made in black and white wash, pen and ink, or pencil, my preference being in the order stated. They must be from life and not from other pictures. The sketches may be made on any kind of paper or drawing board and of any size desired, though I prefer to have them on paper at least twice as large as a RECREATION page. All sketches which may be published, and for which prizes may not have been awarded, will be paid for at the rate of $1 each. Contestants must write on back of picture full name, address, and age. This competition is limited to persons under 20 years of age, and a letter from one of the parents or from the legal guardian of each contestant must accompany each drawing, certifying that the age of the contestant is as stated thereon. Competition will close Feb. 28, 1905. |