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217
became necessary, but none was found beyond the
traces of alumina generally met with.
And now as to Alcoholic Drinks. It was
suggested that a home-made wine should be examined
and a specimen of Grape Wine was submitted to the
test. The result is not favourable. Although in no
sense of the word could it be considered adulterated,
yet was this sample quite spoilt and unfit for drinking.
As to proof spirit, it was sufficiently strong, containing
as it did, 26 per cent. The strength was disguised
by nearly 11½ per cent. of glucose. No sucrose was
present. The acidity of the wine was remarkable,
insomuch that it would deserve the name of "gripe
wine." For young persons it would be decidedly
injurious, whilst older people would be able to protect
themselves by rejecting it. And yet this is a fair
sample of raisin wine.
Two Gins have been analysed with the same
remarkable variation as to alcoholic contents which
I have frequently pointed out No. 284 contained
69 per cent., and No. 283 contained upwards of 85
per cent. of proof spirit. As No. 284 was sweetened,
it was the more deceptive of the two. The quality
of both was excellent, and there was complete freedom
from metallic contamination.