Note 15 — Chapter I · On the Intimate Relation existing between the Deterioration of Beer, or the Wort from which it is Made, and the Process of Brewing.

As a wine-producing country France has been highly favoured by nature, but the consumption of beer in France is increasing every year. In 1873 the quantity of beer, paying excise duties, amounted to 7,413,190 hect., which yielded to the Treasury the sum of 20,165,136 fr. These figures are taken from a report published in 1875 by M. Jacquème, inspector of finances, who remarks that the quantity of beer upon which excise duties are paid represents, probably, not more than one-third of the total production: two-thirds of the quantity brewed evades the duties.