_Wines._--There are a large number of fermented juices of fruits that are known as wines. They are either sweet or acid in taste, and both are peculiarly prone to induce dyspepsia in persons with delicate stomachs. Irrespective of their delicate flavor, which, in many instances, appeals strongly to the palate, the only virtue that they may be said to possess is that they contain alcohol in small amounts; this, however, is off-set entirely by their large percentage of sugars and acids, causing them to be much more unwholesome than plain whisky. _Beers and Malt Liquors._--It is very fortunate that in those states of the American Union that have recently enacted prohibition laws, beer and other malt liquors are now being widely sold under the plea that they are non-intoxicating and that they are in no way unwholesome. While it is true that the former claim is in a measure correct, it is a fact well understood by those who have given the matter study that they are perhaps the most unwholesome of all alcoholic beverages. Those in the habit of using them are almost universally under the impression that they are harmless, and as the taste for them is easily cultivated, those who once acquire the habit are very apt to take them in greater or less quantities daily. As a result of this, chronic digestive disturbances are always sooner or later set up, and the victim in the course of time often acquires a gouty tendency, which is all the more dangerous for the reason that in America it scarcely ever manifests itself in acute joint inflammations. The patient gets into what has been called a "lithemic" state, which is but another name for gout, and sooner or later is exceedingly apt to develop a chronic form of Bright's disease. It is greatly to be deplored that some of our professional national school-masters do not address themselves to this subject rather than to appealing to the worst passions of the ignorant in attacking the great institutions of our country, and in assailing the fundamental principles of our government that come down to us as a priceless heritage from the wise and patriotic statesmen who first brought our nation into life. In addition to the three great classes of alcoholic beverages already considered there are innumerable others, fortunately but little known to the general public, and prized only by connoisseurs in such matters. As we happily have no problem confronting us in any way similar to the absinthe-habit, so common in France, it is not deemed necessary here to do more than merely to refer to them. CHAPTER XI IMPORTANCE OF GOOD COOKING