1900 Harry Johnsons Bartenders Manual (Mixellany)

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and, naturally, spoil a mixed drink. The bartender should be careful to have his milk cans clean, and never pour fresh milk upon that left over night, as it will simply cause both to be sour. Metal pitchers and cans should not be used, but, instead, such of glass or chinaware, and they should not be too large, be- cause, in case the customer desires to help himself , they should be of a convenient size, in order that he may do so readily, without inconvenience. Cans should always be kept tightly closed. In using eggs for mixed drinks, take a separate glass, into which to put the egg ? and you can, therefore, be sure it is fresh before attempting to mix it with the drink. Otherwise, there is always a possibility of spoiling the whole decoction. It has been customary, for many years past, to cover the back bar, gas fixtures, chandeliers, pictures, stat- uary, all decorative articles and furnishings, and fancy fixtures with gauze or some similar form of covering, to keep flies, etc., from soiling them. But I consider this method, though it may be prettily and tastefully arranged, entirely useless, for the reason that expe- rience proves it to be wholly unnecessary. If the place is properly kept and well-ventilated, there is no neces- sity, whatever, for any covering or draping. In all places, where malt liquor is sold, it is, more or less, spilled and spattered over the floor and counter (and tables, where there are any), and all this tends to cause flies and insects to congregate; but, if the room is kept —as it ought to be—clean and dry, with a perfectly sweet odor, the flies will not become a nuisance. This also applies to the cleanliness of the toilet and every- thing connected with the place. If it is made a prac- 54. COVERING BAR FIXTURES WITH GAUZE IN THE SUMMER.