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1 Junx, 1899.] QUEENSLAND. AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 499 
MEAD. 
Large quantities of this beverage were drunk by our British forefathers. 
Nowadays we never hear of it, probably owing to the large consumption of cheap 
beer. j 
A writer in a home journal recommends the utilisation of low-grade honey, 
by turning it into this wholesome and refreshing beverage. There are many 
elaborate receipts given for its manufacture in bee and other bogks, but all 
recommend the use of spices, which almost destroy the taste of the honey. The 
simple recipe is as follows :— 
Soak the cappings, or pieces of comb, after extracting, in water, and when 
they have yielded up their sweetness, drain the water away, and test it to ascer- 
tain the quantity of honey it contains. The proper strength will be found to allow 
an eg to float and about half to remain submerged. Tf there is too much honey 
in, add water ; if too little, add honey. When there is a fairly large quantity 
of liquid it is somewhat difficult to make an accurate test. The work will be 
simplified by taking out, say, a quart, and adding to it water and honey, according 
to requirements. It is easy then, knowing the quantity of liquid in the barrel, 
to add a like proportion either of water or honey. When the proper degree of 
strength has beén obtained in the manner described, boil the liquor for 20 
minutes, skimming all the time. Then pour it into a pan and let it remain until 
the next day; then pour it into a cask and leave it. Shght ferment ation will take 
place, after which bung tightly, and leave the barrel unmolested for 6 or 12 
months. 
TYING IN A CORK. 
THE accompanying illustration shows how a cork may be fastened securely in a 
bottle and prevent it from leaking when carried about. In the upper part of 
the illustration the cork is shown securely tied. In the lower part it is shown 
in outline. After a little experience the tying can be done with no difficulty, 
‘Cut the string about the desired length, place the middle of it on top of the 
cork, disposing of the ends as indicated in the lower half of the sketch. Use 
a stout string and you will have no difficulty with leaky bottles Australian 
Field. 
AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SHOWS. 
Tue Editor will be glad if the secretaries of Agricultural and other Socicties 
will, as early ax possible after the fixture of their respective shows, notify him 
of the date, and also of any change in date which may have been decided on. 
