15 



Leiieve you are aware of the fact, that a doubt was expressed by the 

 Excise Reporters, ujwn my Report as to the identity of the two frac- 

 tional portions of fluid collected in the two vessels inclosed in the Safe 

 for examination by two superior officers, and affording, as we propose, 

 the only foundation for the charge. This doubt was grounded on an 

 imaginary difficulty, which my acquaintance with the construction of 

 the Machine never allowed me to entertain. That it was imaginary, 

 our trial, on Tuesday last, has most unequivocally demonstrated, five 

 competent persons having declared, when ifie two portiom had acquired 

 the same temperature, that there did not exist Oie slighest difference of 

 specific gravity. The fluid, all agreed, was the most disadvantageous 

 that eonld well be supposed for the experiment, and the Hydrometer, 

 of large scale, and very distinct divisions, was admitted to be of extra- 

 ordinary capability. Nothing now remains, I apprehend, but a proper 

 introduction of th« Machine into the regular distilleries of the United 

 Kingdom. 



I am ever very faithfully yours, 



George Birkbeck« 

 R. Cort, Esq. 



The very skilful and honourable conduct of Dr. Birkbeck throughout 

 this most important experiment cannot be too highly appreciated. The 

 Central Agricultural Society has nobly done its duty ; and having thus 

 far succeeded in one of the first steps to promote the best interests of 

 Agriculture, it may be presumed that the " Central" will not be less will- 

 ing to assist in realising the objects set forth in the above Address, espe- 

 cially when it is found that these objects will do more to secure Agricul- 

 tural Protection and Agricultural Encouragement, than has yet been 

 attempted, much less accomplished, in this or any other country. 



R. C. 



Wilson and Son, Psintkrs, S7, Skinnkr Strkbt, Londox. 



