A HARD-WORKING DIET. 103 
to gout and stone and obstruction of the breast. Those in 
pure water and gravel soil are best. In meeres and pools 
not so good. I recommend only those to eat of them who 
are more addicted to their palate than to their health. More- 
over, in impure places they oftentimes couple with snakes, 
and so receive venomous quality, wherefore they are not 
commendable for any age or temperament. They are most 
hurtful to the aged, phlegmatic, or subject to obstructions. 
Roasted or broiled they are least injurious, the fire ex- 
hausteth their worst qualities. For like reason the powdered 
eel is wholesome, though not so taken by the dainty- 
mouthed. To conclude, they are only convenient food for 
hard labourers, or those who indulge their appetite. _ 
Crawfish are of meetly good. nourishment, and not hard Crawfish. 
of concoction, yet I do not approve of them for those 
who have weak stomach, or are subject to obstruction of 
the mesaraick veines. They are best agreeable to such 
as are of choloric temperature of body. 
The puffin is neither fish nor flesh, but a mixture of Puffin. 
both ; for it liveth altogether in the water, yet hath feathers, 
and flieth as fowls do. Whether they be eaten fresh or 
powdered, they be of an odious smell and naughty taste , 
are unwholesome. Yet great drinkers esteem well the puffin, 
because it provoketh them to drink, which is the best faculty 
it hath. But mark the end of such, and you shall com- 
monly see them, even in firm and constant age, to have 
turgid and strouting-out bellies and a dropsie, the upshot of 
all their outrageous drinkings. 
Fresh fish is the best for food. Salt fish, if it be much 
eaten, hurteth the sight. 
Of all sorts of salt fish, ling and milwell be the best. Of 
all other salt fish, those who are careful of their health 
refrain from using. 
