Grampian Club > Leaves from my autography

LEAVES FROM MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 29
he informed my father that he had discovered a mode
of rendering the strongest spirit mild and innocuous.
"I simply/' said he, "leave the bottles uncorked,
placing them in an open cupboard, so that atmospheric
air may enter the necks of the bottles, and mollify
the fluid." My father happened to exchange pulpits
with him shortly after being informed of his discovery,
and readily ascertained on tasting his whisky that it
had been copiously watered. " Well, my dear sir, you
would find my whisky very mild," said Mr Chalmers,
when my father rejoined him at Dunino. "Very
mild indeed," said my father; "and I might have
drunk ^a bottle without experiencing much injury.
But water, not air, has effected the change. Lock
up your bottles from your servants, and the liquor
will retain its potency." Chalmers tried the new
experiment, and admitted that my father was correct.
Mr Chalmers was chaplain and adjutant of the
district company of volunteers. The members were
to dine together at St Andrews, and my father was
invited. Some time before dinner he met Mr Chal-
mers in the street, equipped in military attire, including
a scarlet coat and white trousers. " How are you, my
dear sir," said Mr Chalmers, approaching my father,
with his wonted cordiality. "Very well," said my
father, " but you have the advantage of me ; I know
the voice." " You know me perfectly," said Chalmers,
anticipating a rebuke. " It won't do, my friend," said
my father, " we cannot divest ourselves of our proper