258 ANIMAL FOOD EESOUECES OF DIFFERENT NATIONS. 



materials in the samples analysed, as well as the nutri- 

 tive value. The nutritive value in all these cases is 

 therefore only that of the fish after bones and non-edible 

 parts have been removed. The fact makes all the dif- 

 ference in the world in a consideration of the nutritive 

 value of fish proportionately with that of other foods. 

 White fish, as an instance, is returned in the table a 

 nutritious value of 104'5, but this is only a value based 

 upon 13'69 of the whole fish. And herring, which is 

 returned as being a somewhat higher nutritive value 

 than medium beef, is seen, if allowance be made for the 

 consideration we have named, to be little more than one- 

 tenth as nourishing. Some other facts are noticeable in 

 this table. The small nutritive value of lobsters, 

 scallops, and oysters is remarkable. Oysters are com- 

 monly enough spoken of as being notably strengthening, 

 and having other special virtues. Yet here we find that 

 the nutritive value of this food is in point of fact less 

 than that of the same weight of milk. 



The occupation of the food-taster is not yet extinct, 

 but it is now chiefly restricted to securing the safety of 

 monarchs of savage tribes. 



The late Captain Pilkington, R.E., when at Lagos, on 

 the Western coast of Africa, some years ago, and visiting 

 its King, had practical demonstration of the custom much 

 to his disgust. 



Rising to take leave of the sable monarch, he asked 

 permission to bring fowls for an evening meal, upon which 

 the king promised to send him his supper. In due time 

 appeared a jet black man, carrying something on his 

 head, which he solemnly placed upon the table. It 

 proved to be the promised supper, in a tray covered with 

 a white cloth, which had obviously been just unfolded. 

 This fair promise of cleanliness prepared the captain's 

 mind for a well served supper, which after his long 

 journey in the canoe, was no ungrateful anticipation. 



" When uncovered by the bearer, a delicious looking 

 fish presented itself to view, which I eagerly surveyed 

 from side to side ; but had scarcely expressed my entire 



