The term ale is also used in the same significance as beer in the above paragraph. A great many so-called ales are made and sold which are not at all similar to the genuine article. One of the most common is perhaps ginger ale. Others are hop Scotch ale, hop ale, etc.

The same remark may be made respecting the use of "ale" as applied to the word beer above. While it may be claimed that no deception is intended to be practised the border line between verity and deception is very nearly reached in the use of names in this way. Further than this, the terms used with the objects described do not designate any definite compound. Root beer may be made in many different ways, and out of as many materials, and the same is true of ginger ale. These words used in this manner give no definite information, and hence to that extent are deceptive by at least concealing the truth. It would be far better for manufacturers in matters of this kind when they make a beverage which contains objectionable principles if they would give them the proper name, that is, call them by their true name as indicated by their composition, or coin a fancy name for the kind of beverage which gives no false indication of quality. Thus all suspicion of misbranding or attempted misbranding would be avoided, and the beverage in question would be placed upon much higher planes.