For this, which is only a superior sort of white spruce beer, proceed
as follows: To every gallon of water take 1½ lbs. of honey, and ½
a pound of fine starch. The starch, however, previously to its being
blended with the honey, liquor, or syrup, must be reduced to a fine
transparent jelly, by boiling it with part of the water purposely
preserved. A quarter of a pound of essence of spruce may be used to
6 gallons of water; and the same method may be pursued in working,
fining, and bottling, as directed for white spruce beer.
Spruce is a wholesome and pleasant drink to those who are used to it,
and persons soon become habituated. It contains a vast quantity of
fixed air, which is extremely bracing; and the use of this liquor is
particularly to be recommended to such as are troubled with scorbutic
humours, or have the gravel. It is chiefly used in summer.