Indeed, it would be possible
to adduce similar statements to an indefinite extent, but
my main object in making these references is to call atten-
tion to the value of fish as ordinary diet. And although it
has an every -day value of this kind, there are in addition
certain qualities ascribed to fish which render it particularly
appropriate for a large and important section of our population.
I refer to the brain workers. I say large and important,
because in their ranks arc to be found literary men and
160 THE AST OF LIVING IN AUSTRALIA.
journalists, members of the professions, active-minded,
busy men of the commercial world, and the vast array of
those having mental work and clerical occupations. In one
of the latest books on the subject of food and diet by
Dr. Bumey Yeo, he remarks that it is the custom to speak
of fish as an " intellectual " or "brain " food, on account of
the phosphorus contained in it. But he adds that much
of its reputation in this respect may be due to its being
readily digested by persons of sedentary and studious habits.
He proceeds to quote Louis Agassiz, the famous naturalist,
who bestows upon fish the following : — " Refreshing to the
" organism, especially for intellectual labour; not that its use
" can turn an idiot into a wise or witty man, but a fish diet
" cannot be otherwise than favourable to brain develop-
" ment."
But if fish is thus a necessary and desirable element in
the dietary of our active daily life, it is not to be forgotten
that it is at least equally valuable for the invalid. It is
often tolerated by the stomach when the digestive powers
are weakened from any cause. When the system is recruit-
ing after any exhausting illness, it is usually amongst the
earliest forms of nourishment allowed. In many chronic
disorders, likewise, it is just one of those things whose place
it would be impossible to fill. And, lastly, it should be ever
remembered that many men whose lives are passed in a state
of perfect thraldom by reason of their extravagant use of
butcher's meat would find themselves better in health, better
in spirits, and better in temper, were they to curtail their
allowance, substituting fish in its place.
( 161 )
CHAPTER XL
ON SALADS ; SALAD PLANTS AND HEEBS ; AND
SAIAD MAKING.
" A salad is a delicacy which the poorest of us ought always to
command. "
Although for some years past any information pertaining
to salads and salad-making has been eagerly welcomed by
the writer, yet it must be admitted that great difficulties in
obtaining such knowledge in Australia do exist, because the
use and value of salads are not widespread and understood,
and thus it is that their health-conferring properties are
passed by seemingly without regret. And if the topic,
therefore, is one possessing an attractive personal interest,
for that very reason it is felt that the present chapter falls
far short of what might be achieved ; yet it may be per-
missible to plead in extenuation thereof that its composition
has not proved the easiest of tasks, and its shortcomings
must consequently be condoned by an indulgent public. I
shall begin, then, by saying that if ever there was a form of
food which was intended for our semi-tropical climate it is
undoubtedly the salad, and as thus constituting an article of
diet so well adapted for Australia it should certainly be seen
daily in every household.
Page 111
Presented as published in 1893. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Indeed, it would be possible to adduce similar statements to an indefinite extent, but my main object in making these references is to call attention to the value of fish as ordinary diet. And although it has an every -day value of this kind, there are in addition certain qualities ascribed to fish which render it particularly appropriate for a large and important section of our population. I refer to the brain workers. I say large and important, because in their ranks arc to be found literary men and
journalists, members of the professions, active-minded, busy men of the commercial world, and the vast array of those having mental work and clerical occupations. In one of the latest books on the subject of food and diet by Dr. Burney Yeo, he remarks that it is the custom to speak of fish as an " intellectual " or "brain " food, on account of the phosphorus contained in it. But he adds that much of its reputation in this respect may be due to its being readily digested by persons of sedentary and studious habits. He proceeds to quote Louis Agassiz, the famous naturalist, who bestows upon fish the following : — " Refreshing to the " organism, especially for intellectual labour; not that its use " can turn an idiot into a wise or witty man, but a fish diet " cannot be otherwise than favourable to brain develop- " ment."
But if fish is thus a necessary and desirable element in the dietary of our active daily life, it is not to be forgotten that it is at least equally valuable for the invalid. It is often tolerated by the stomach when the digestive powers are weakened from any cause. When the system is recruiting after any exhausting illness, it is usually amongst the earliest forms of nourishment allowed. In many chronic disorders, likewise, it is just one of those things whose place it would be impossible to fill. And, lastly, it should be ever remembered that many men whose lives are passed in a state of perfect thraldom by reason of their extravagant use of butcher's meat would find themselves better in health, better in spirits, and better in temper, were they to curtail their allowance, substituting fish in its place.
( 161 )
CHAPTER XL
ON SALADS ; SALAD PLANTS AND HEEBS ; AND SAIAD MAKING.
" A salad is a delicacy which the poorest of us ought always to command. "
Although for some years past any information pertaining to salads and salad-making has been eagerly welcomed by the writer, yet it must be admitted that great difficulties in obtaining such knowledge in Australia do exist, because the use and value of salads are not widespread and understood, and thus it is that their health-conferring properties are passed by seemingly without regret. And if the topic, therefore, is one possessing an attractive personal interest, for that very reason it is felt that the present chapter falls far short of what might be achieved ; yet it may be permissible to plead in extenuation thereof that its composition has not proved the easiest of tasks, and its shortcomings must consequently be condoned by an indulgent public. I shall begin, then, by saying that if ever there was a form of food which was intended for our semi-tropical climate it is undoubtedly the salad, and as thus constituting an article of diet so well adapted for Australia it should certainly be seen daily in every household.