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223
also the Orange, but no one could say that so alcoholic
a wine is good for young people. One of the
port-wines (82) only contained 25.76 percent. of proofspirit.
But these variations in alcoholic contents in
wines and spirits are singularly objectionable, so long
as the public has no sufficient information about it.
The contrast between a Port and a Sherry is remarkable
: No. 82 with 25.76 per cent. and No. 89 with
37.27 per cent. Wine-drinking is certainly often
nothing less than disguised dram-drinking.
A liquor called Shrub, of pleasant acid taste,
from the presence of oranges and lemons—a kind of
sweetened rum, contained only 24.70 per cent., of
alcohol.
As to spirits proper, I have but little to report.
Until a decision shall have been given, as to a
standard of alcoholic strength, I can give no certificate
of adulteration; and no one will more rejoice than
I if such decision be deferred to the Greek Kalends.
The variations now are sufficiently considerable.
Thus I found of proof-spirit, in:—