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181
The weakest spirit capable of thus firing powder, had
a specific gravity of about 0.92. Every additional
one-half per cent. of absolute acohol above 0.92, is
said to be one degree above proof.
The sample of Port, No, 7 was also strongly
fortified; it contained 39 per cent. of proof-spirit.
Although the spirit in most cases was of good quality
yet is the quanity undoubtedly large, and the public
should be upon its guard in the use of such wines.
When we compare Port and Sherry with their 39 per
cent. of proof-spirit, and 10 Gin, with only 57.36 per
cent. of proof spirit, it will be understood that the socalled
"dram" is only one-half again as strong as the
wine ! Many a man would hesitate to drink a wineglass
full of gin, who would think but little of three
or four glasses of such Port or Sherry. Many of the
home-made wines, which are considered harmless,
would not be given to children if it were known how
strong they are as regards spirit. And, for this
reason, I would venture to recommend that certain of
them should also be submitted to me for analysis.
By desire of your Vestry, I have examined four
samples of Gin, and two Whiskies. In relation to
proof-spirit they rank thus:—