[14] That division of the ancient kingdom of Northumberland, which was bounded by the river Humber southwards, and to the north by the Tyne.
[15] A liquor made of honey, wine, and spice.
[16] Honey, diluted with the juice of mulberries.
[17] In this sense it is apparently used in Gen. ix. 24: “Noah awoke from his wine.”
[18] From an Arabic word for antimony, applied to the eyes, the name is said to have been transferred to rectified spirits (C₂H₆O). It is a liquid formed by fermentation of aqueous sugar solutions. Spirit of Wine contains about 90 per cent. of alcohol. 55 parts of alcohol and 45 of water form proof spirit. Of alcohol, spirits contain 40-50 per cent.; wines, 7-25; ale and porter, 6-8; small beer, 1-2.
[19] Who would believe this from the specimens tasted in England? Yet we are assured the statement is perfectly true.
[20] Patterson’s Travels in Caffraria, p. 92.
[21] One of these inspired Longfellow, who thinks (poetically) the richest wine is that of the West, which grows by the beautiful river, whose sweet perfume fills the apartment, with a benison on the giver:—
“Very good in its way is the Verzenay,
Or the Sillery, soft and creamy;