STRONG DRINK AND TOBACCO SMOKE 6i 



Proof spirit is merely an arbitrary standard of 

 strength, adopted by the Legislature in laying the 

 duty. It means that distilled water at 51° Fahrenheit 

 being considered as unity, an equal measure of proof 

 spirit shall weigh twelve-thirteenths of such water. 



The following table will show the quantities of spirit 

 in gallons, at proof, which have been manufactured in 

 the United Kingdom in each year for the last ten 

 years. 



Scotch and Irish whiskies, whether made from pure 

 malt, or malt and grain, are the direct product of dis- 

 tilled wash, with water added to decrease their strength. 

 English spirit of similar manufacture is generally used 

 for rectifying or redistilling with juni^yer berries, 

 carraivay and other seeds, for the production of gin, 

 or for compounding with various ingredients in the 

 manufacture of British brandy and cordials. 



