TARTARIC ACID FOR SUPPER.
A STREET CANDY STAND.
Hydrocyanic acid, or prussic acid, which is mentioned as being used to represent “wild cherry,” in syrup or medicines, is employed in candies to give an “almond” flavor. Oil of bitter almonds is very costly, which is the excuse for substituting the much cheaper article, prussic acid.
The temptations set in the way of children to purchase candies are so great, and the adulterations so common, that I have devoted more space to the exposé of these cheats than I at first intended; but I hope that the public will hereby take warning, and mark the beneficial results which will accrue from an avoidance of cheap, painted, and adulterated confectioneries. These are sold everywhere, but most commonly upon the streets.
Near a stand upon a public street of this city, sandwiched by the thick flying dust on the one hand, and the warning, “Dust thou art,” on the other, my attention was attracted to a little ragged urchin, who stood holding under his left arm a few dirty copies of a daily paper, while the right hand wandered furtively about in his trousers pocket, and his eyes looked longingly upon the tempting confectionery spread upon the dusty board and boxes before him. Indecision dwelt upon his pale, thin countenance, and drawing nearer, I awaited this conflict of mind and matter with a feeling of no little curiosity.
Finally, he seemed to have decided upon a purchase of some variegated candy, and making a desperate dive with the hand deeper into the pocket, he drew forth some pennies, which were quickly exchanged for the coveted painted poison,—none the more poisonous for having been sold upon a street stand, however.