[ 362 ] 



common indeed in fome meafurc to all ranks, but 

 in feveral refpects it is particularly applicable to thofe 

 who are employed in hufbandry. Air and exercife 

 are well known to fharpen the appetite; and as thefe 

 advantages are incident to this way of life, it may 

 be expected that fome excefs fhould now and then 

 take place. The diet of fuch perfons is indeed in 

 general too fpare and plain to offer any great incen- 

 tive to indulgence in point of quantity, but oppor- 

 tunities fometimes offer for a more plentiful allow- 

 ance of food, and more inviting to the palate. On 

 fuch occafions the lower ranks of people exert little 

 confideration or prudence. They have fcarcely any 

 view beyond the gratification of the prefent moment; 

 and if a full indulgence of appetite is not exercifed, 

 they deem it a lofs of an opportunity for the enjoy- 

 ment of fo much happinefs. ' 



It is needlefs to enumerate in this place all the 

 complaints that excefs in quantity of food may 

 bring on ; it is fufficient to fay, that it has often 

 produced fudden death, and where its violent effects 

 have not been fo immediate, has laid a foundation 

 for bad health during the remainder of life. — To 

 this head may be referred the brutal practice of 

 eating enormous quantities for a wager, or out of 

 bravado. It is needlefs to defcant upon fo odious 

 a fubject, farther than to fay, that fuch things fink 



men 



