chap, `xiii FRAUDS IN INDIGO 25
The
frauds possible with them are in weight and quality. The fraud in
weight can be effected in two ways, the first by putting the cotton in
a damp place, and by inserting in the middle of each skein some
substance which increases the weight; the second in not weighing it
truly when the broker * receives it from the worker or from the
merchant who delivers it.
The
fraud in the quality is accomplished in only one way, which is by
inserting in every maund three or four skeins of worse quality than
that at the top, and in a large quantity that may amount to something
considerable, for there is a variety of cotton thread which costs up to
100 ecus the maund. As these two frauds are practised very often on the
Dutch ComÂpany, the precaution they are obliged to adopt is this. It is
to weigh, in the presence of the Commander and his counsel, and to
examine carefully, each maund, skein by skein, to see if there is any
fraud in the weight or quality. When that is done the Vice-Commander
and those who are appointed under him to make this examination are
obliged to attach to each bale a statement of the weight and quality;
and when the bale is opened in Holland, if anything is wanting in
either of these respects, those who have signed the statement are
obliged to pay the loss.
Frauds practised in Indigo.
I have said 2
that the natives withdraw the paste from the baskets containing the
indigo, and mould it into pieces with the fingers steeped in oil, and
the cakes are then exposed in the sun to dry. The Indians who wish to
cheat the merchants lay the cakes on the sand to dry, so that the sand
attaches itself and the indigo then weighs more. They also sometimes
lay the paste on damp ground, which makes it moist and consequently
heavier. But when the Governor of the place discovers these frauds, he
inflicts a heavy fine. Such frauds are easily discovered by a broker
and Commander experienced in the trade in this kind of merchandise by
burning some morsels of indigo, after which the sand which remains
becomes visible.
I have still to make a somewhat curious remark regarding 1 Courtier in original. J See p. 9, above.
