View report page

226
prepared Butters are more agreeable to the taste and
more palatable than some which are undoubtedly
genuine. Such admixtures as were common when
the Adulteration Act came into force, are not now
met with.
I have examined one Home-made Wine. As
regards the proof-spirit in this sample of Ginger
Wine, it amounted to 23.66 per cent. This is
moderate, but a wine glassful would be more than
was good for a young person, in spite of the presence
of 18.37 per cent. of sugar, which would of course
tend to disguise the alcoholic strength.
One sample of Pickled Onions was of good
quality, and quite free from metallic contamination.
A similar character as to quality may be given
of a class of Sweets called "London Mixture," but
although no adulteration, I am very doubtful about
the wholesomeness of some of the flavouring
materials employed. The so-called pear essence
(acetate of amyl) is sometimes present in too large
quantities, and sometimes is the occasion of severe
headaches.
One Porter concludes the list of articles. In