HONEY AS FOOD. 493 



848. When Augustus-Julius-CiEsar, dining with Pollio- 

 Rumilius on his hundredth birthday, inquired of him how he 

 had preserved both vigor of body and mind, Pollio replied: 

 '■^IiiteriKS meUe, exterius oleo." — Internally by honey, ex- 

 ternally by oil. 



Honey is in daily use on our table, and we find that 

 children prefer it to sugar. The only cause of its not 

 being in general use in place of "vile syrups" is the high 

 price at which it was formerly sold. 



Mr. Newman in his little pamphlet above quoted, says : — 



"It is a common expression that honey is a luxury, having 

 nothing to do with the life-giving principle. This is an error — 

 honey is food in one of its most concentrated forms. True, it 

 does not add so much to the growth of the muscle as does beef- 

 stealf, hut it does impart other properties no less necessary to 

 health and vigorous physical and Intellectual action! It gives 

 warmth to the system, arouses nervous energy, and gives vigor 

 to all the vital functions. To the laborer it gives strength— 

 to the businessman, mental force. Its effects are not like ordinary 

 stimulants, such as spirits, &c., but it produces a healthy action, 

 the results of which are pleasing and permanent — a sweet dis- 

 position and a bright intellect." 



These words are so true that we have found them trans- 

 lated, in European books, by noted Apiarists. 



849. As a condiment it can be used in many ways. In 

 candies it will finally replace the unhealthful glucose of 

 commerce. The confectioners who now use it, increase 

 their trade every year. 



In France, "■ pain-d'ipice," "gingerbread," is sold in 

 immense quantities at the fairs. The best makes are sold 

 at the most important fairs through the country. It keeps 

 an indefinite length of time, and farmers' wives are wont to 

 buy enough to last for months. The following is the 

 recipe : 



850. Dissolve 4 ounces of soda, in a glass of warm skimmed 

 milk. Take 4 pounds of flour and pour in the milk and enough 

 warm honey to make a thick dough, flavor with anise and corian- 



