The Story -Book of the Fields 



sound is heard proceeding from the bubbles 

 of gas bursting in the air. 



Sparkling wine has a somewhat sharp but 

 pleasant taste, caused by the presence of 

 carbonic acid gas. We can drink, dissolved 

 in sparkling wine, the same gas which would 

 kill us if it were breathed in any quantity. 

 Carbonic acid gas is only dangerous as breath. 

 Mingled with our drink it only imparts a 

 slightly sharp taste, which is harmless and 

 even wholesome, since it promotes digestion. 

 Almost all the water that we drink holds 

 carbonic acid gas in solution ; and it is by 

 means of this gas that water contains the 

 small amount of mineral substance required 

 for the formation of the bones. Sparkling 

 lemonade, cider, beer and seltzer water owe 

 their sharp flavour and their froth to carbonic 

 acid gas. 



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