130 VINEGAR, CIDER, AND FRUIT-WINES. 



faulty manner is coated with a slimy mass, which is somewhat 

 sticky and can be drawn into short threads. Viewed under the 

 microscope this slimy coating presents a structureless mass, 

 throughout which numerous germs of vinegar ferment are 

 distributed and sometimes also vinegar eels. Independently of 

 the presence of the latter, this slimy coating presents the same 

 appearance as the so-called mother of vinegar. By placing a 

 shaving coated with slime upright in a shallow dish and filling 

 the latter f the height of the shaving with alcoholic liquid, the 

 previously described delicate veil of vinegar ferment develops 

 upon the surface, while the portion of the shaving covered by 

 the fluid is surrounded by flakes distinguished by nothing from 

 mother of vinegar. Hence there can scarcely be a doubt that the 

 slimy coating actually consists of the same structure to which the 

 term mother of vinegar (see p. 34) has been applied, and in 

 searching for the cause of its formation, it will generally be 

 found to be due to conditions similar to those which give rise to 

 the formation of the latter. An alcoholic liquid overly rich in 

 young beer containing much albumen, or one to which much 

 malt extract or young fruit-wine has been added, is apt to give 

 rise to the formation of mother of vinegar in the generators. 

 The slimy coating thus formed upon the shavings envelops the 

 vinegar ferment and prevents its immediate contact with the air ; 

 consequently the alcoholic liquid does not encounter as much fer- 

 ment as is required for the complete oxidation of the alcohol, and 

 the generators become weaker. This decrease in the production 

 is, of course, followed by a lower temperature in the generators 

 and consequently by a decrease in the augmentation of the fer- 

 ment, these unfavorable conditions finally becoming so great as 

 to bring the activity of the generators to a standstill. 



The settlement of vinegar eels upon the surface of the mother 

 of vinegar has no connection with sliming. Should, however, 

 large masses of these animalcules happen to die in the generators 

 for want of air, due to the constantly decreasing draught, they 

 quickly putrefy on account of the high temperature and give rise 

 to the most disagreeable smells. 



A careful manufacturer will observe sliming at the commence- 

 ment of the evil, when it can be remedied without much diffi- 



