1857 The Bordeaux wine and liquor dealers' guide

vii

PREFACE.

with the objectionable part of adulteration, expe– rience has fully demonetrated. Some may contend that there ie no necessity for the adulteration of liquors. True, the neceesity does not exist, more than exists the necessity for its con– sumption : each is coexistent with the other, and will thus continue so long as the depravity of human nature induces man to indulge in that which grati– fies but his inordinate passions. So long, therefore, as he will, at any cost, gratify his depraved appetite, let us at least place before him that which will do the least harm ; that which is the most wholesome, if indeed there is anything wholesome in the use of intoxicating drinks. Were all liquors imported pure, and sold in the same state, the quantity sold would be a mere item compared with the amount now drank in this country. Indeed, France and the continental countries of Europe do not produce a sufficient quantity, if the entire products of their vineyards Wt»'e emported, to 811pJ>ly tlw nat;u;raJ, trade of New Y 0rk Oil;y ~. So great is the demand for exportation beyond the supply, that the French are compelled to resort to imitations to supply the deficiency; and to such per– fection has the system been brought, that by no test, chemical or otherwise, can these imitations be de– tected. The question is often asked, what becomes of the large quantities of whiskey that are shipped every month to France t It is well known in the latter country that a good American corn. apirit may be so amalgamated with the juice of the grape, after

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