The national course in home economics

When any article of food causes increased action of the heart, quickness of the pulse, headache, or pains in the stomach or bowels, it is then an indication that such food is injurious. The patient should not be urged to eat; he is better able to tell what he wishes than any one else. If he craves for any particular thing, as a general thing it will do him good. When the patient is recovering from disease, but is still weak, though gradually regaining strength, strict attention should be given to the diet. In regard to the kinds of food which may be allowed, it should be remembered that first of all, it must be light and nutritious. Milk is probably as easy of digestion as any other substance; it may be given at all times during the sickness and convalescence without injury; it should, however, not be used except when drawn immediately from the cow. After the cream has formed, it is indigestible. Eggs broken in hot water and slightly cooked may also be allowed. Boiled rice is easy of digestion, and beef tea, mutton broth and chicken are useful in convalescence. Fruits are sometimes very beneficial, and at other times very hurtful. In fever, the juice of ripe oranges will be extremely grateful; the pulpy part should be rejected. Grapes may also be allowed, being careful not to swallow the seeds or skin. Lemon juice, lemonade, strawberries which have their juice bruised out and strained, may also be allowed. Hot water poured upon bruised tamarinds, peaches, etc., and allowed to stand until cold, will be beneficial. Toast water may be used as a drink. Cold water may be taken at all times with benefit, if it causes no distressing symptoms. Rice water, barley water and apple water are all good drinks. Boiled fish is generally easy of digestion, as well as oyster broth. As a general rule, all shell fish should be forbidden. Vegetables, such as boiled potatoes, boiled beets, and boiled onions, may be eaten without harm; they should, however, be boiled in two waters until quite soft. Prof. R. TO HAKE GRUEL. The following is an excellent recipe: Pour one quart of hot water into a clean earthen or tin vessel over a brisk fire; when it boils, add two large tablespoonfuls of corn or oatmeal; mix it smooth in just water enough to thicken it; put a small lump of butter into the water and when melted, add the meal and stir for about one-half hour; then add a teacupful of sweet milk, and when it boils again throw in the upper crust of hardbaked bread cut into small pieces; let it boil some time and add a little black pepper, a little salt, a pinch of grated nutmeg, a little more butter and a teaspoonful of French brandy. The butter, spices and brandy should be omitted when the case is a serious one. Nurse. BEEF TEA. Take one pound of lean beef, cut it fine, put it in a bottle corked tightly, and put the bottle into a kettle of warm water; the water should be allowed to boil for a considerable time; the bottle should then be removed and the contents poured out. The tea may be salted a little and a teaspoonful given each time. Another way of preparing it is as follows: Take a thick steak, broil slightly on a gridiron until the juices have started, and then squeeze thoroughly with a lemon squeezer. The juice thus extracted will be highly nutritious. M. S. TOAST WATER.