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matter. The following tables show the constituents of peas, lentils, 

 vetches, and beans from the analyses made by different authorities: — 



On account of the large quantity of nitrogenous matter which peas and 

 beans contain, they are used for animals which are required to undergo 

 severe exertion, and then they are only given in moderate quantities of 

 3 or 4 lb. daily. In selecting them, it is highly important to notice that 

 they are perfectly sound, quite free from any trace of mould or unpleasant 

 odour. It is not uncommonly the case that a hunter, after a long run, 

 will have a handful or two of beans put into his food on his return to the 

 stable, under the impression that this will help to restore his exhausted 

 energies. It would be impossible to commit a greater dietetic blunder. 

 Immediately after excessive or prolonged exertion, the digestive powers, 

 in common with the other organic functions, are enfeebled and therefore 

 incapable of appropriating food which is from its mechanical condition 

 difficult of digestion. A very moderate diet of good gruel or a small 

 quantity of crushed oats with chaff and bran, the gruel by preference, is 



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