1903 The Flowing Bowl by Edward Spencer

THE OLD WINES AND THE NEW 139 tation, the proper colour being given by a mixture known as jeropiga, which is a preparation of elder-berries, molasses, raisin juice, and spirit. The wine which is made within the Metro politan Police District, for the special benefit of landladies, infirmaries, and she-choristers, is also treated with a similar mixture, with the addition of a little logwood-extract; but in fashionable quarters the mixture is not known as jeropiga, a name which would probably affect the sale. Port wine was known in England before the year 1700, but was not inmuch demand. From the year mentioned till 1826 the export trade was a monopoly in the hands of English merchants. The effect of this monopoly was to increase the price in England, and to gradually deteriorate thequality. Exports from Oporto have decreased in a marked way for the last forty years or so ; and although there is still some demand, and some decent wine left, the "hot and heady" concoction whether dry or fruity, a lady's wine, or a military ditto, is gradually leaving us. ^ The pity of it ! And simultaneously with its departure comes the pronouncement of the medical profession that port (with the exception of the "old crusted" brand) does wut encourage gout to abide within the human frame. I may fairly claim to have been a "port man" all my life, and never, when serving Her Majesty, overlooked my orthodox allowance of the " black strap" purchased with the Prince Regent's allowance. Nevertheless I arn not going to recommend this description of wine as an ideal breakfast drink j although very early in