FOOD AND WATER, STIMULANTS, ETC. 87 



Aqueduct-pipes sometimes become leaky, and draw in 

 filth. Constant watchfulness against the foes to health, 

 which would enter in this way, is necessary. 



BATING AND DRINKING HABITS. 



35, The eating and drinking habits of mankind vary 

 greatly. They are modified by climate and by surround- 

 ings. The Esquimaux drink fish-oil and eat candles 

 with a relish ; the Hindoo lives upon rice ; the Arab sup- 

 ports life, and performs great journeys, on a handful of 

 grain a day. The European or American requires more 

 and better food. The human body can adapt itself won- 

 derfully to its circumstances. But those nations, which, 

 by reason of their geographical situation and their wealth, 

 have been able to obtain the best and most varied diet, 

 have the best and strongest bodies. 



36, There is also a great variety in the habits and tastes 

 of members of the same race or community. Some pre- 

 fer one kind of food, and some another. Some eat two 

 meals, and some three. Constitutions, habits, and circum- 

 stances make great differences. One man may thrive on 

 food that would destroy another. A brain-worker may 

 accomplish most and feel best if he eats little until noon: 

 a day-laborer would lose his vigor under such a practice. 

 One man is over-stimulated by a meat-diet : another ought 

 to live chiefly on meat. 



If Nature had not made mankind capable of such vari- 

 ations in habit, the work of the world could not be done. 



37, A healthy appetite is Nature's guide to right habits 

 of eating and drinking, but Nature intended that appe- 

 tite should be controlled and regulated by reason. Each 

 man will thus adopt that course which is best for him. 



