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wholesome hitter;' but, as popularly understood, Beer is an
infusion of Malt and Hops, and people imagine that they are
buying such an infusion, when they buy Beer. We do not say
that there is any radical objection to the substitution of other
ingredients in common use for Malt and Hops, so long as those
ingredients are wholesome, but we do consider that, if such substitutes
are employed, the fact should be published. In other words,
the buyer should know, and he should be informed, what he is
buying.
" Wa believe that it would be a great boon to the public if
they could rely on all occasions upon obtaining a sound and pure
infusion of Malt and Hops when they ask for and drink Beer.
The extract of Malt contains a variety of substances, organic and
mineral, believed to be valuable for their dietetic properties, and
it is utterly fallacious to suppose that the only object of using
Malt is to obtain the sugar necessary for fermentation ; and that,
therefore, the complete or partial substitution of various sugars
for Malt is a proceeding capable of producing the same ultimate
results. Similar remarks may be made as regards Hop extract;
and that the substitution of other bitter principles is objectionable,
there cannot be any doubt.
"We believe, therefore, that the effect of this Bill would
tend considerably to secure the production and sale of a better
article, and that consequently it would not improbably result in
diminishing drunkenness, and in lessening the tendency to drinking,
and that a considerable national benefit might ensue.
" We may add that limits of Alcoholic strength, below which
the different classes of Beer should not be allowed to fall, might
with advantage have been fixed, and included in the measure
before us, as well as a limit for the amount of salt in Beer."
Butter Substitutes.
"This Bill defines Butter as an article produced from unadulterated
milk or cream unmixed with any other fatty or
oleaginous substance whatsoever, and 'Margarine' or 'Oleo-Margarine,'
as any imitation of Butter whatsoever, or any compound of