70 THE OYSTER. 



of spirits and other disagreeable feelings consequent 

 on impaired digestion soon cease to affect them ; they 

 become cheerful and happy, and are enabled again 

 to see clearly through the misty atmosphere which 

 has hitherto enclosed them in a kind of living shi^oud ; 

 physical powers return, headaches disappear, and the 

 heretofore dyspeptic, sour, unhappy tempered man be- 

 comes a pleasant and joyous companion, full of life him- 

 self, and inspiriting to those around him. 



I have liyed a good deal abroad, and am induced to 

 ascribe much of the vivacity of the French to their in- 

 tense love of oysters. During a long residence in France, 

 I never met with a Frenchman or Frenchwoman who said 

 nay to a dish of good fresh oysters ; in fact, they have a 

 craving for the " breedy creatures," which in many 

 persons almosts amounts to gluttony, and then, and 

 then only, does this craving lead to mischief. 



Physicians of old recommended the oyster as a general 

 remedy, and employed it on all occasions with success. 

 It has been proved beyond dispute that it possesses a 

 remarkable vivifying influence in all cases where the 

 nervous organs are affected, more than any other food. 

 Oysters taken before mid-day vtdth a glass of "wine pro- 

 duce a most salutary effect. The nerves and muscles 

 regain their strength, and the body its mental and physical 

 powers, bringing cheerfulness and energy to compete 

 with the duties of the day. If not a cure, at all events, 

 an oyster diet, under medical supervision, brings un- 

 questionable relief to those who are suffering from 

 pulmonary complaints, indigestion, or nervous affections. 



Dr. Leroy was in the habit of swallowing, every 



