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98
DRINKS.
places
still
produce
wines
;
but
their
characteristics
and
reputation
have,
it
is
affirmed,
become
blended
in
the
wine
of
Shiraz,
in
the
province
of
Ferdistan,
on
the
Persian
Gulf.
Chardin,
the
Frenchman,
describes
this
wine
as
of
excellent
quality,
but
of
course not
so
fine
as
the
French
wines.
The
German,
Kampfer,
puts
Shiraz
on
the
same
level
with
the
best
Burgundy
and
Champagne.
He
who
wishes
to
learn
the
nature
of
the
wine
of
Shiraz
should
consult
the
Diwan
of
Hafiz.
How
far
this
poet
speaks
of
wine
literally
understood,
and
how
far
of
spiritual
delights,
is
a
matter
for
commentatorial
investigation.
Persian
wine
is
frequently
mixed
with
raki
and
saffron,
and
the
extract
of
hemp.
Sherbet,
made
of
fruit
juices
and
water,
is
English
rather
than
Oriental.