25 



may be trusted, but if the reverse, it should be treated with caution 

 in buying. In another respect Wine is like man, viz., in the usual 

 limit of its age. Few Wines wiW retain their soundness up to, or 

 beyond a hundred years. 



In the relative values of Wines, the range is extremely wide. 

 Genuine light Wines can be had of any respectable Wine 

 Merchant, at a very moderate rate, but for choice vintages 

 (bottled at the right time — a most essential point) very high 

 prices are obtained. 



As regards the wholesomeness of Wine, we are all the best 

 judges for ourselves. Medical men make great mistakes in recom- 

 mending one particular Wine to various patients. 



Wine consumers would do well to indulge their palates with 

 more variety than they are in the habit of doing. As we do not 

 eat the same meat every day, so different Wines may be taken 

 with pleasure to the taste and advantage to health. We are 

 justified in regarding Wine as especially the drink of the 

 " temperate man." Its moderate use enables him to steer clear of 

 the torrid zone of intoxication, as well as the fi-igid zone of total 

 abstinence. It is much to be desired, that a taste for light 

 refreshing Wines, which are not of an intoxicating character, 

 should increase among all classes of the community for daily con- 

 sumption, while the stronger Wines may be taken (either with or 

 without water) in moderation, to the benefit of the health of many. 

 It is moreover desirable, that good Wine should be both abundant 

 and cheap. Unfortunately, from the ravages of Phylloxera, in 

 many parts of Europe, this wish is not likely to be realized at 

 present, as the tendency is quite in the opposite direction. It is 

 to be hoped that the evil wiU not be of long contiuuance, but that 

 before long good vintages will again add to the health, wealth, and 

 prosperity of the civilized world. 



