| 6.—18416.] THE 
GARDENERS' 
CHRONICLE. $ 
^p 
a special adaptation to one specific kind of food, but with | 
an extensivé range of adaptability to the greatest variety 
of animal and vegetable productions? 3. What is the 
best food of man ; or, what diet do science and expe- 
xienee point out, as best calculated for promoting 
health, happiness, and longevity? 4. What seems de- 
signed to be hereafter the universal di 
In answer to the first qu 
wring from Scripture, tradition, and poetry the fact 
that man in his primitive state partook only of 
table diet. It seems, however, to us that all arguments 
derived from the earliest records of our race, are against 
him. The first man and woman are represented as 
being clothed with skins, and their second son is a 
keeper of sheep. That the slaughter of animals was 
effected and intended by these facts, there can, we think, 
be little doubt; and that sheep were not kept for food, 
it would be certainly difficult to prove. The author, 
however, lays stress on the fact, that this was after the 
fall, and hints that meat is the forbidden food of which 
man partook. But, surely, if the obscure evidence of 
the Bible with regard to the food of our first parents 
is to be admitted, the fact that meat was allowed under 
the Jewish dispensation—that Peter, in the New Tes- 
tament, was commanded to “arise, slay, and eat "—and 
that the Saviour himself partook of, and wrought mira- 
cles to supply an animal diet, ought to be allowed as 
evidence that, as far as that book is concerned, the 
flesh of animals is notan improper diet of man. An- 
other argument advanced by the author is, that 
man could not eat flesh till he could cook it :— 
“Instead, therefore, of vainly searching farther for the 
date of the discovery, it may suffice to observe, that 
until the element of fire was possessed by man, it would 
bo impossible for him to relish the flesh of other ani- 
mals, particularly if fruits and farinaceous articles of 
iet were within his reach ; and, I believe, no instance 
can be adduced of any nation, however savage, feeding 
upon raw flesh, where fruits, farinaceous roots, and 
corn could be procured. Have we not here, then, an- 
other strong argument in favour of the frugivorous diet 
of man, during the first period of his existenee ?? This 
does not prove that man is not the better for an animal 
diet. "The same argument would go to prove the unna- 
turalness of stcam-engines. 
In the second part of the work the author gives an 
answer to the second question. In opposition to the 
n 
views of most physiologists an: p ve 
he decides that the structure of the teeth, jaws, sto- 
mach, and intestinal tube, proves that man is not omni- 
vorous, but a vegetable feeder. He makes here, how- 
ever, a distinetion between animals feeding on herbs 
(herbivorous) and those feeding on fruits, seeds, &c 
(frugivorous) ; to the latter class of which he maintains 
that man belongs. We think that a candid examination 
of the evidence he has brought forward in this part of 
his work would lead to the conclusion that man is 
both a vegetable and flesh feeder. The structure of the 
bieuspid and molar teeth (between that of the herbivora 
and carnivora), the characters of the movements of the 
jaw (adapted both for grinding and cutting), and the 
nature of the stomach and intestinal tube, all lead to 
this conclusion, But even admitting that man has a 
structure that would enable him to live on fruits and 
seeds, as a monkey, he is not in. cireumstanees to lead 
the life of a monkey. Throughout this part of his argu- 
ment theauthor never once alludes to the change of habit, 
and evei nature, that may have taken place in man, 
asa progressive being, in the course of sixty centuries. 
He takes it for granted that what is good for man in a 
state of nature is good for him in his present highly 
civilised state. We need not point out that such an 
argument would equally tell against all the comforts 
and luxuries of civilisation, and if acted on would lay 
the axe at the root of commerce, and reduce mankind 
to a hopeless barbarism. 3 
The third part of the book is devoted to the consider- 
ation of the best food of man. Although the author has 
read a great deal, and very carefully,he only selects that 
evidence which is in his own favour, and rejects that 
which is opposed to him. Thus, he discredits the conclu- 
sions of Liebig, Mulder, Dumas, Boussingault, and other 
modern chemists, with regard to the uses of the carbon- 
aceous and nitrogenous secretions, and referred to in an 
article in the Gardeners’ Chronicle of December 13th. 
We have there given a sketch of the views of these 
chemists, in which it will be found stated that the car- 
bonaceous secretions, as sugar, starch, oil, &e., are 
consumed in the system for the purpose of maintaining 
animal heat, and that they do not remain in the system 
forming parts of the fabrie of the body, My. Smith, 
however, in order the more effectually to recommend a 
diet of starch, sugar, &e., objects to this statement of the 
French and German chemists, and suggests that these 
bst. become ised by union with the nitro- 
gen of the atmosphere. 
* Dr. Bostock observes, that it is probable the blood, 
as it passes through the lungs, both absorbs and exhales 
nitrogen ;—the proportion which these operations bear 
to each other being very variable, and depending upon 
@-rtain states of the system, or upon the operation of ex- 
ternal agents. ‘The diserepaney in the results obtained 
by different experimenters upon this point, is also ex- 
plained by M. Edwards in a similar way. He supposes 
that in certain circumstances the absorption of nitrogen 
48 most active ;—in others, the exhalation. These cir- 
cumstances are probably dependent on the condition of 
the blood with respect to this necessary element ; the 
absorption being greatest when the food and the ali- 
skin ; and Dr. Pereira has suggested that the ammonia 
of the atmosphere may furnish nitrogen to the system ; 
but there has been no experimental proof of this. "The 
evidence already adduced is so much in favour of the 
opinion that the nitrogen contained in the tissues of man 
and the Herbivora, may be obtained independently of 
food, that there is searcely any room for doubt on the 
subject; it may be considered an established fact ; and 
in our investigations respecting human diet, itis of great 
importance that we should never lose sight of it.” 
Further on he endeavours to explain away the force 
of Magendie's experiments on dogs fed with sugar, 
starch, &c., which all perished as a of 
a wholesome amount of 
atmospheric moisture—not a sudden steam, but a slow, 
yet permanent supply, and I will engage that the 
spider will be rendered perfectly harmless. Do not 
however apply it on any surface that is so warm at 
times as to produce inconvenience to the hand when 
grasping it: this is a simple but safe rule. 
CONSERVATORIES, STOVES, &e. 
Conservatory.—Still pursue steadily the directions 
with regard to temperature, &c., laid down in previous 
[3 
non-azotised aliment. He does not bring forward 
a particle of evidence to prove that the nitrogen 
which unquestionably exists in the body, ever enters into 
a combination with any of the tissues. It is, however, 
a well-established fact that nitrogen compounds are 
formed in plants, and that through these compounds the 
n trogen-tissues of the animals may be formed. The 
nitrogen compounds when supplied from an animal 
body are not less efficacious, and much more digestible 
than those obtained from most vegetables, and it is on 
this fact that the advantage in all, and the positive ne- 
cessity in some eases, of a flesh diet depends. 
We have not space to pursue Mr. Smith through the 
remaining chapters of his work. He endeavours to 
prove that the vegetable eating nations are the 
healthiest, wisest, and happiest.; that vegetable feeders 
in this and other countries of Europe live to a great 
age, and that a host of diseases, more especially gout, 
l ism, an ption, arise from eating meat, 
His examples are certainly unfortunate amongst the 
vegetable eating nations—the Hindoos and the Irish are 
quoted. The first the most pusillanimous and indolent 
people in the worldpand the last the most wretched. 
He might, we think, were he not prejudiced, have seen 
in his own countrymen an illustration of what a due 
admixture of an animal and vegetable diet will effect 
for man, and the instances he gives of those who have 
lived on a purely vegetable diet are far from being 
examples of the wisdom, virtue, and longevity of the 
race to which they belong. Themen, in fact, who have 
influenced the destinies of their kind have apparently 
seldom been vegetable feeders. Amongst the instances 
of longevity on fruits aud farindeca, we do not find the 
names of Parr or Jenkins, and we have ourselves 
known centenarians who partook of meat with their 
daily food. With regard to the flesh of animals pro- 
ducing disease, the evidence from our poor-houses, 
prisons, schools, and the publie service, contradict this 
statement altogether, and the evidence of the most in- 
telligent and disinterested of the medical profession is 
directly opposed to the views taken by the author. 
[We regret to be obliged to put on record our opinion 
that the author has expended much labour on a mis- 
taken view of an important subject. His own constitu- 
tion may enable him to bear up against the lowering 
effects of a vegetable diet ; but he will probably be the 
means of inducing many to try it, to the injury of 
their health and the endangering their lives. W 
are therefore. compelled by our duty to the public to 
enter our protest against the doctrines inculeated in 
Mr. Smith’s book, and to warn all whom it concerns 
that such views are much worse than “absurd.” 
[3 
Miscellaneous. 
Destruction of Insects: Meyer's’ Composition —A 
position for destroying cockroaches and other in- 
sects was sent to the Garden by Mr. G. H. Meyer, its 
inventor. The substance in every respect resembled 
pounded gum arabic. It was, according to the direc- 
tions of Mr. Meyer, laid down at night in dry places 
which the insects frequented, and taken up in the 
morning. It is impossible to say whether or not any 
insects tasted it. . When exposed to a humid atmo- 
sphere, it became like gum; moths, beetles, woodlice, 
ants, &c. &c., were found to live for days in a phial þe- 
side it. The experiment was a failure. Hereman’s 
Dilutium.—A small phial containing a liquid (Vegetable 
Dilutium) for destroying mealy bug and other insects, 
having been sent to the Garden by Mr. S. Hereman, its 
inventor, the following trials were made with it. Ac- 
cording to his directions, the liquid was applied to the 
plants with a camel-hair brush, and when thus dressed 
they were well syringed with pure water. The plants 
on which it was tried were Berberis tenuifolia, Olea 
fragrans, Epidendrum hleatum, and M illari 
gracilis. In a few days after its application Mammil- 
laria gracilis died, and allthe other plants were more 
or less injured. In every case the mealy bug was 
killed, and also many of the white seale, but apparently 
none of their eggs, as they appeared as numerous as 
ever in a few weeks afterwards.—Journal of the Hor- 
ticuliural Society. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. 
(For the ensuing Week.) j 
The Red Spider,—This pest in gardening is as- 
suredly not so commonly met with now as it was 20 
years ago. And why? Not because any recipe has 
become of general and systematic application, hut that 
a much greater humidity of atmosphere is maintained 
in our hothouses than in former days. Humidity alone 
is not however sufficient at all times to keep the spider 
entirely under; and I beg to remind the readers of the 
Chronicle that sulphur rightly applied in conjunction 
Calendars. ight advances in heat may be made on 
bright days, but if cloudy skies intervene, revert imme- 
diately to decreased temperature, and let humidity 
proceed in the same ratio. Climbers may be looked 
over in this structure, and if an early display of their 
beauties is required, some of the irregular wood may 
be pruned away forthwith, Passifloras and others may 
receive this treatment; but permanent ‘plants, as 
Acacias, &e., will of course point out of themselves an 
exception. Those who are growers of the families of 
Epacris, Correa, Leschenaultia, Polygala, &c. &e., 
will soon enjoy a rich treat in those charming tribes. 
requent introductions, and frequent removals, are the 
order of the day here, and of course a constant inter- 
change in all the other plant-house departments. 
Camellias require at this time abundance of water ; keep 
a sharp eye to Ericas, Epacrises, &c., that are pot- 
bound—some of these will require liberal watering. 
Stove and Orchidaceous How Let all inerease of 
heat take place on bright days, chiefly early in the after- 
noon ; and then accompanied with a moist 
air. Get a batch of Gloxinias re-potted, and placed in 
bottom heat, using heath soil, loam, ehareoal, and sand, 
for compost, in a fibrous state. Stove climbers on 
trellises, in pots or tubs, that require to be shifted 
soov, should be eut in previously, to fine fresh buds pre- 
paratory to disrooting or shifting, Attend to the 
shifting of the Amaryllis tribe where requisite; as 
soon as they show signs of growth, let them be intro- 
duced to this structure, and give a trifling degree of 
water, increasing it gradually as the leaves unfold. 
Orchids commencing growth should be immediately 
attended to; keep them at the warmest end of the 
house, and beware of drip lodging in the young bud. 
Some of the large si nens of such as Stauhopea, 
Gongora, Catasetum, &c., that require shifting, and that 
have become very y, had better be immersed in tepid 
water for am hour,a day or two previous to shifting, 
Mixed Greenhouse.—The winter has been so favour- 
able for house plants, in requiring so little fuel, that 
those who have been duly impressed with the impor- 
tance of avoiding strong fires in plant-houses, will find 
their aceount in the superior hoalth of their stock. 
Iuereise warmth on sunny afternoons for a couple of 
hours ; but let the thermometer sink again at night to 
45° or 50°. See that all insects are eradicated before 
the growing season commences; and clean or spouge 
away all fungus or dirt of any kind from the leaves of 
plants. Remember that all extraneous matter is very 
prejudicial to the welfare of plants; thorough clean- 
liness holds equally good with plants as with ani: 
Keep all stock neatly tied up ; dress climbers. T 
peeolums growing should be constantly attended to. 
Shiftsome forward Pelargoniums into theit final pots,and 
stake them out if intended for imens of high culti- 
vation ; remove weak or crowded shoots, and secure a 
thorough circulation of air, without draught, to this 
house, at all times. N 
f 
ing at such periods. : 
flue in it, great pains must be tal s r 
to the air, without plenty. of which many thing 
3 must 
prove a failure. If there are two pipes, a flow. and 
return, which is, of cour generally the ease, the 
bottom pipe should rest in a cemented trough, deep 
enough to enable the water to cover the pipe, when 
necessary, and from 6 to 9 inches wide. Water, 
less or more, should be at al! times kept in the trench, 
at least from this period forward. Cold Pits or 
Frames.—A caleula be immediately made as 
to how far the inm se structures will be able 
to supply the masses in the pleasure-ground. No 
doubt that frost or damp has redueed the numbers of 
some kinds. Strong plants, or pots of stores, which 
had become well es sed in the autumn, of Ver- 
benas, Fuchsias, Petunias, Heliotropes, Salvias, Caleeo- 
noved forthwith to some of 
pits,at work, to enjoy, if possible, a 
moderate bottom-heat, watering them with liquid 
manure. These will quickly furnish abundance of 
early cuttings, which should be slipped off, and propa- 
gated instantly, losing not a moment, Water sparingly 
here at present, not using any if the plants keep healthy 
without it. 
larias, &c. &e. 
the houses or | 
KITCHEN GARDEN FORCING. : 
Pinery.— Proceed steadily; if pits are at liberty, 
and duly provided with a permanent bottor eat of 
80°, it would be a very good plan to shift a sn all 
portion of the stock into their final pots; in the ex- 
peetation of their produeing either very late or very 
early fruit. Where constant succession is required 
I take it for granted that the final removal into the 
