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172
Unluckily such a mixture usually contains about 70
per cent, of chicory.
Spirits.—Of these, 13 per cent, proved to be
below the legal limit, containing from 2 to 4 per cent,
of water beyond what the Act allows. This dilution
may seem small, but when the high price charged is
considered, and the very large quantity that is sold, it
will be seen that this represents a large extra profit.
As it is, gin may legally contain in 100 parts by weight
G9 parts of water; other spirits may contain only 64
parts of water. Luckily, the older forms of adulteration
of spirits by means of deleterious ingredients
have been entirely put a stop to by the working of
the Adulteration Act; nothing worse than water is
now to be found in spirits.
Ices prove to be made of water, milk, and flour
paste, with sugar. Occasionally there is some innocuous
flavouring and coloring matters present. So far, no metal
from the vessels used nor any deleterious ingredients have
been detected. What is most to be feared is the want
of cleanliness and the insanitary condition of the
storage of the material. It would be well if the
vendors and their premises were licensed and inspected
so as to guard against any possible spread of infection.
Beer.—This continues to be of the same wholesome
character as in former years. As the law allows of the
use of any harmless bittering material, and does not