C grade weighs at least 3 lbs., 13 oz. to the imperial gallon (381 grams per liter). D grade weighs at least 3 lbs., 5 oz. to the imperial gallon (586 grams per liter). There has probably not been any of the A grade of Acheen black pepper in this country for several years, for the reason that it is this grade of pepper that is preferred by the manufacturers of Penang white pepper; and since it is used up in that way it does not reach our market except in the form of white pepper, Fig. 5. The best way to test the quality of the whole pepper is by weight, the heavier being the best. It takes 6,984 Singapore pepper corns (Fig. 4) to weigh one pound, while the finer grades of Tellicherry or Malabar (Fig. 1) require but 6,400. [Illustration: CENTRAL MARKET LOMPONG (Bobbing in Water) TELAH BENTONG] [Illustration: A HOME IN ALLEPPY] Pepper is sometimes graded by putting it in water, when the heavy sinks and the light swims; the water also removes the dirt that might adhere to it. Shot pepper is the heavier black pepper put through a soaking and hardening process. Afterwards it is oiled to give it a better appearance, but as the water is injurious to the berry it is now generally separated in a column of air. The better appearance thus given to the shot pepper makes it more in demand and gives it a higher market value. From what has been said, we can readily understand that the quality of pepper differs in the different localities. Pepper will hold its strength longer than any other spice. It has been found by mixing Malabar for weight, Penang for strength, and Sumatra for color, we get the most desirable powdered article. Malabar pepper has about twice the strength of Singapore, which has twice the strength of Sumatra. The Atjeh, Atchin or Acheen, pepper from the northeastern part of Sumatra, and that from the province of Batak in the more central eastern part of Sumatra Island, as received in this country, contain much earthy matter, and the East Archipelago pepper culture, including the islands of Johore and Rhio, is so widely spread as to give us large and various qualities.