FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES 47 



Taste is due to vibratory motion. A peppermint lozenge, for exam- 

 ple, dissolving in the mouth, may be likened to a vast collection of 

 minute tuning-forks vibrating synchronously. Pulses are imparted 

 to the nervous filaments of the tongue and palate, and are translated 

 by the internal sense into peppermint. What was molecular agitation 

 is now taste. 



With punch properly compounded, we obtain saporous vibrations 

 of various degrees of rapidity, but so related that their simultaneous 

 action on the organ of taste produces an agreeable harmony. The 

 saccharine, acid, and ethylic trills are rhythmical, and a glass of punch 

 is truly the analogue of the sonnet. The instinct of man has detected 

 many such harmonies which have yet to be investigated. For example : 

 what palate is insensible to the harmonious effect of roast hare and 

 currant-jelly? But where is the philosopher who can lay his hand 

 upon his heart and say he has determined the relation of the saporous 

 vibrations of the jelly to those of the hare? My own researches on 

 this point have deepened my natural humility, and I now eat my 

 currant-jelly with the simple faith of a little child. 



Experiment has proved that the juice of three or four lemons, and 

 three-quarters of a pound of loaf-sugar dissolved in about three pints 

 of boiling water, give saporous waves which strike the palate at such 

 intervals that the thrilling acidity of the lemon-juice and the cloying 

 sweetness of the sugar are no longer distinguishable. We have, in 

 fact, a harmony of saporific notes. The pitch, however, is too low, 

 and to heighten it, we infuse in the boiling water the fragrant yellow 

 rind of one lemon. Here we might pause, if the soul of man craved 

 no higher result than lemonade. But to attain the culminating sap- 

 orosity of punch, we must dash into the bowl, at least, a pint of rum 

 and nearly the same volume of brandy. The molecules of alcohol, 

 sugar, and citric acid collide, and an entirely new series of vibrations 

 are produced — tremors to which the dullest palate is attuned. 



In punch, then, we have rhythm within rhythm, and all that philoso- 

 phy can do is to take kindly to its subtle harmonies. It will depend 

 in some measure upon previous habits, whether the punch, when mixed, 

 will be taken in excess or in moderation. It may become a dangerous 

 ally of gravity and bring a sentient being to the gutter. But, on the 

 other hand, it may become the potent inner stimulus of a noble out- 

 ward life. 



I was also honoured by being admitted to the fraternity 

 of the " Red Lions," who fed together during each meeting 

 of the association and expressed applause by gentle roars 

 and wagging of (coat) tails. On these occasions all kinds of 

 jokes were permissible, and speeches were made and songs 



