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To Detect Water in Lard

The presence of water is very easily detected by merely melting the lard, when the water collects at the bottom of the vessel as a distinct layer. The weight and volume of lard can be greatly increased by the incorporation of water with it; and purchasers of a pound of lard will frequently find that they have paid the price of the lard for as much as 4 ounces of water. Lard is also adulterated with from 2 to 5 per cent. of milk of lime (slacked lime mixed to a milky consistence with water); this gives the lard a beautifully white appearance, and also allows of 25 per cent. of water being stirred into it while cooling.