214 THANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



ture, tender in quality, and unimpeacliable in flavor. Its resemblance 

 to beef is remarkable. AVitliout previous information it would be 

 difficult to tell the difference between them. That there is anything 

 disagreeable or unpalatable about it cannot be maintained for a 

 moment." On reflection it nmst appear to everybody that tlie flesh 

 of the horse must be as healthy and nutritive as that of the ox, since 

 its component principles are the same, M'itli an excess of creatine, a 

 substance which, according to Leibig, acts an imjDortant part of the vital 

 functions. In the city of Vienna, during the last three years, 4,Y26 

 horses have furnished over 1,000,000 pounds of meat, and the demand 

 is continually on the increase. By a fair and sound estimate, which I 

 need not detail here, it can be shown that 80,000,000 pounds of sound, 

 available meat for consumption could be added to the annual food 

 supply of the country could we but overcome the prejudice that we 

 have been educated to feel on this subject. I regard this question, 

 therefore, as one that relates directlv to agriculture as well as general 

 economy and public morals, by the merciful and humane withdrawal 

 of those faithful creatures from service when no longer useful for 

 labor, instead of abandoning them to a miserable and reproachful 

 death. 



Dr. J. C. V. Smith. — I cannot but recognize that this gentleman 

 has taken a step for humanity in advance. We derive our views of 

 liorse flesh as food fi'om the mosaic law, which declares all animals 

 with uncleft hoof, and not cliewing the cud, as unclean. It is the 

 business of civilization to overcome prepidice. What Mr. Bergh 

 said regarding the ox being enabled to protect his eye when the hard 

 yoke is on him, need offer no difficulty against its use, for nature has 

 provided an additional eye-lid, scientiflcally called membrananictitmis. 

 By drawing this over the eye-ball, all dust and insects are at once 

 removed. 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — I thank Mr. Bergh for what he has done. 

 This gentleman has gone through our streets, an apostle, preaching 

 the gospel of mercy to every animal. I say all honor to Henry H. 

 Bergh. 



Upon a motion that the thanks of the club be \'oted, and a copy be 

 requested, considerable discussion arose. 



Mr. J. B. Lyman. — What is said of horse-flesh meats with deep 

 seated prejudice which may not soon be overcome, but the afflicting 

 recital of the brutality of the present system of beef supply deserves 

 attention of all. 



