244 THE ART OF WINE MAKING. 



In order to interrupt all communication be- 

 tween the wine and the atmosphere, and protect 

 the cork from the humidity of the vault, the ra- 

 vages of worms and effects of dust, which may 

 accumulate around it, and impart an unfavour- 

 able influence to the contents of the bottle, it will 

 be prudent to seal the cork with a composition, 

 of which the following is that adopted by many 

 of our vintners skilled in the conservation of 

 wines. White pitch, rosin and turpentine in 

 equal portions, united with double the portion of 

 each of these ingredients of yellow bees wax. 

 This mixture should be melted over a slow fire, 

 into which the top or neck of the bottle should 

 be plunged, securing first the cork with twine 

 or iron wire. 



It is particularly in the case of wines which 

 effervesce, or fly, that this latter precaution is 

 considered most necessary. 



THE END. 



