282 Transactions of tee American Institute. 



wliicli is elaborated materials for the completion and development of 

 its organic macliinerj. There is no other product from any source 

 in nature so extraordinary in composition. Huge frameworks of 

 bones, muscles, and nerves are fabricated by vitalized tissues from 

 elements held in solution in that -wonderful fluid, which is directly 

 secreted from the circulating blood. Innumerable tubes, valves, (i^ng^- 

 lions, a spinal column and a brain which controls the whole, are 

 nourished and increased in volume from simple milk. Truly, therefore, 

 its chemical ingredients, the manner of its origin, and the purposes it 

 subserves in the economy of nature, constitute a distinct department 

 of study not beneath the consideration of the most gifted intellect. 

 Still, thousands upon thousands familiar with these general facts 

 vitiate their digestive powers and ruin their liealth with destructive 

 drinks that afford neither nourishment nor satisfactory results of 

 any kind. Milk never inflames the mucous membrane of the 

 stomach or bewilders the intellect. It meets the demands of our 

 pliysical organization, conducing to serenity of mind, a happy state 

 of the body, and promotes long life. Whenever it disagrees with an 

 individual, the cause is referable to some abnormal condition of the 

 system, and not to milk, if drawn from a healthy source. Modern 

 refinements of the table make disastrous inroads upon human life. 

 Highly-seasoned dishes cannot be habitually indulged in without 

 detriment to the functions of the digestive apparatus. Our ancestors 

 had simple food. Their flour was not so finely bolted as our own, 

 nor did they purchase either diluted or artificial milk. Of course 

 they lived longer, were exempt from maladies now common as the 

 inseparable misfortunes of advancing civilization. In cities, where 

 the strife for position keeps the population in active commotion, and 

 phantoms of the imagination are too often supposed the substantial 

 foundations of happiness, and where, to the disgrace of christian com- 

 munities, respectability is measured by remits and dividends, the felici- 

 ties connected with keeping a cow cannot be appreciated. Many 

 reared in dainty affluence, associate plebeianism, vulgarity, and small 

 means with that form of country comfort wliich includes a cow. But 

 it is a mistake that should be corrected by education. Cows are 

 exceedingly interesting animals. When well trained and regular 

 habits are established, a philosojDher may find something in their 

 character for profound study. 



Give the range of a pleasant pasture, studded with shade trees, a 

 shed to retreat to in the yard, and a comfortable stall for winter 



