Note 12 — ADVICE TO THE PEOPLE,
J. (James) Kirkpatrick translation
This Word's occurring in the plural Number will probably imply, the Swiss make more than one Species of this small Drink, by pouring Water on the Cake or Remainder of their other Fruits, after they have been expressed; as our People in the Cyder, and perhaps in the Perry, Counties, make what they call Cyderkin, Perkin, &c. It should seem too from this Section, that the laborious Countrymen in Swisserland drink no Malt Liquor, though the Ingredients may be supposed to grow in their Climate. Now Beer, of different Strength, making the greater Part of our most common Drink, it may be proper to observe here, that when it is not strong and heady, but a middling well-brewed Small-beer, neither too new, nor hard or sour, it is full as wholesome a Drink for laborious People in Health as any other, and perhaps generally preferable to Water for such; which may be too thin and light for those who are unaccustomed to it; and more dangerous too, when the labouring Man is very hot, as well as thirsty. The holding a Mouthful of any weak cold Liquor in the Mouth without swallowing 'till it becomes warm, there, and spurting it out before a Draught is taken down would be prudent; and in Case of great Heat, to take the requisite Quantity rather at two Draughts, with a little Interval between them, than to swallow the Whole precipitately at one, would be more safe, and equally refreshing, though perhaps less grateful. K.