1827 Wine and spirit adulterators unmasked

17

at twenty or even twenty-five per cent under- proof.* The duty on Brandy, per imperial gallon,

the liquor in which the instrument is made to swim, being added to the number on the weight used, and together forming the indi- cation. But as the difference of temperature affects materially the specific gravity of spirituous liquors, a thermometer and tables of the concentration of strength, as denoted by the hydrometer, are used in the application of the instrument. The officer of Excise has, therefore, only to turn to the tables opposite the indication, and immediately under the temperature he finds the per centage of the strength of the liquor; for example,

.60

Weight used

.

.

.

Subdivision shown by the hydrometer

Temperature by the Thermometer 68

Opposite 51,% in the column of indication, and under the 68th de- gree of temperature, is 8-j per cent, above or over proof; " had, however, the weight 60 been required, instead of weight 50, at the same degree of temperature, the indication would have been 61,%, and the strength 6-fa per cent, below or underproof." ' Brandy and Rum is seizable if sold by, or found in the posses- sion of the dealer, unless it possess a certain strength, (seventeen per cent, under proof by Sylces's hydrometer)/ The following are the words of the Act, (30 Geo. 3, c. 37, sec. 31.) No distiller, rec- tifier, compounder, or dealer, shall serve or send out any foreign spirits of a lower strength than that of one in six, under hydro- meter proof, according to Clarke's hydrometer, (equivalent to se- venteen per cent, below proof according to Sykes's hydrometer) nor have in his possession any foreign Spirits mixed together, ex- cept Cherry or Raspberry Brandy, of lower strength, than as aforesaid, upon pain of such Spirits being forfeited, and such Spi- rits, with the casks and vessels containing the same, may be seized by any officer of Excise. * As a proof that I do not exaggerate facts, about a week