Coffee (e-book) (used book) | Robert Hewitt | bookbook.eu

Description

Contents:

Introductory ----- Chapter 1. The History Of The Coffee Plant ----- Chapter 2. Its Cultivation In Various Countries ----- Arabia, East Indies, South America ----- Chapter 3. Methods Of Making Coffee ----- Chapter 4. Analysis And Adulteration Of Coffee

Preface:

The reader may possibly remember among the charming "Essays of Elia" one entitled "A Dissertation on roast Pig," in which the writer, with true epicurean zest, insists upon its preferred claims. Whether the reader's taste be in exact accord with that of the essayist, it may not be easy to determine; but who can fail of being delighted with his treatment of the subject? It is with some such feeling of enthusiastic interest that the present volume has been prepared, and in a similar spirit it is now submitted to the candor of the reader. If occasion for enthusiasm is found in discussing the merits of roasted pig, surely very much stronger is the argument in behalf of roasted Coffee.

Having from his earliest business associations been personally connected with the Coffee-trade, the writer has always been greatly interested in collecting anything relating to the history, cultivation, or uses of this great staple. Long impressed with the idea that the mass of statistical figures that accumulate from day to day, in the many circulars and market reports received by those engaged in the importation and sale of coffee, tend rather to confuse and detract from the importance of this constantly increasing branch of commerce, the following pages are intended to give such general information as may perhaps interest not only those who are familiar with the business, but also that multitudinous class to whom coffee now has become an indispensable beverage; but who for the most part may not be familiar with its history and production. In a word, the work seeks to present, in a concise yet comprehensive form, all that relates to the history and cultivation of coffee in various countries, and the pernicious effects of its adulteration. The best authorities have been consulted in its preparation; and it is to be hoped since it has been compiled in response to repeated inquiries for some such a manual, by persons engaged in the coffee-trade that it may be found acceptable.

As it would be great temerity on his part, after what has been already stated, to bespeak for the volume any special literary merit, its claims upon the favor of the reader must depend mainly upon the intrinsic value of its statements and facts; its typographic and pictorial character will bear its own comment. “After many erasures, interlinings, enlargings, and diminishings," it is at last completed, and, as it is the first attempt of a novice, it is deemed right and proper to say (in strictest confidence) that his vocation is simply that of a coffee-broker, one of that numerous fraternity whose business it is to please both buyer and seller, and who should be informed not only as to the present crop, but, to satisfy some, should have an opinion, when it is called for, as to all coming crops, etc., when chatting in the odd moments pending so momentous a transaction as a purchase or a sale (quantity not defined) of coffee. In fine, worthy reader, having thus far detained thee with a relation of the intent and purpose of the following pages, it only remains, by thy courtesy, to venture the hope that what is now presented concerning the little aromatic berry may linger as pleasantly on thy mind and memory as a fragrant draught of its infusion does upon thy palate.