386 
dard breeds, except some of the fancy va- 
rieties, can be made into good table birds. 
However, some of this class, notably 
games, are thought-especially desirable for 
the table. 

THE VALUE OF OATMEAL AS FOOD. 
An English physician recently asserted in 
the London Daily Mail that instead of 
being a wholesome and nutritious food oat- 
meal porridge is rapidly attaining the pro- 
portions of a national curse. 
According to the New York Times, “This 
characterization of a food staple which has 
attained a recognized place in the contem- 
poraneous dietary, as a curse from any point 
of view, would seem to involve some exag- 
geration. Very likely more has been claimed 
for porridge as the equivalent of beef than 
its real value for dietetic purposes would 
warrant, but it undoubtedly has its place in 
the domestic economy, and has become im- 
portant. It seems to be the one breakfast 
cereal which wears well, and while perhaps 
too hearty for large consumption in sum- 
mer, it could not well be spared as a food 
for either horses or men.” 
That the view expressed by the writer in 
the Daily Mail is not shared by all who 
have studied the problem is shown by the 
fact that one of the best known authorities 
on dietetics in Scotland attributes the poor 
condition of many laborers’ families at the 
present time to the substitution of bread 
and tea for the old fashioned oatmeal por- 
ridge and milk diet. Unsanitary surround- 
ings and poverty, so great that it prevents 
the use of meat and other foods with por- 
ridge or bread, are factors which must be 
considered in discussing at all accurately 
the bad health noticed among the poor in 
Scotland. 
The truth of the matter is that both 
bread and oatmeal are good foods when 
well prepared and reasonably used. Oat- 
meal is a starchy food and should not be 
overloaded with sugar when eaten, a cus- 
tom which is responsible for much of the 
indigestion attributed by many Americans 
to its use. Milk contains considerable ni- 
trogenous material and may appropriately 
accompany oatmeal; these 2 foods in com- 
bination being probably more nutritious 
than bread and tea_if the diet were to be 
limited practically to either of these combi- 
nations. It is important that oatmeal should 
be thoroughly cooked at a temperature high 
enough to insure the proper changes in the 
starch molecule. Oatmeal, such as we are 
all familiar with, cooked so that it is more 
like a poultice than a food, is enough to 
bring any article of diet into disrepute. 
Well cooked and eaten without too much 
“sugar, oatmeal is undoubtedly a wholesome 
food of abcut the same nutritive value as 
wheat bread. 
RECREATION, 
TILES IN GERMAN MEAT SHOPS. 
Perfect cleanliness in handling food prod- 
ucts should be insisted on by purchasers. 
The use of tiles, marble and metal, which 
may be easily cleaned, in place of wood, in 
fitting up markets, etc., is growing and 
should be encouraged. Apparently more at- 
tention is paid to such matters in Europe 
than in this country and many will recall 
the attractive shops in Paris and other con- 
tinental cities, for the sale of bread, cooked 
meat, and other provisions. 
On this subject the American Consul at 
Manheim, Germany, writes as follows: 
“Americans visiting Manheim frequently 
comment on the attractive meat shops to be 
seen here. This attractiveness is secured 
largely by ‘the use of ornamental tiles for 
floors, walls and even ceilings and counters. 
The tiles on the walls are similar to those 
used in bathrooms in the United States. 
They are generally of light shades, arranged 
in patterns of artistic design. The floors 
are also laid with tiles of different colors. 
These tiles, however, are unglazed and are 
heavier and of cheaper quality than those 
on the walls. 
“In one of the most attractive of these 
stores, the walls are of ivory-colored tiles, 
with panels of flowers and other designs. 
The counter, which runs along 2 sides of 
the room, is of the same ivory-colored ma- 
terial, ornamented in gold. It presents a 
rich, handsome appearance. Even the book- 
holders, scales, and gas fixtures are tiled. 
The general effect of the room is sugges- 
tive, above all, of cleanliness. 
“Stoneware furniture for stores is a nov- 
elty in Germany and seems to be applicable 
especially to meat shops, fish and other 
markets, kitchens, sculleries, etc. The most 
important center for its manufacture in 
this country is Mettlach, where there are 
several large factories.” 
A lawyer had as client a negro who was 
accused of stealing chickens. Things were 
going in the darkey’s favor, until he was 
placed on the stand. 
“Are you the defendant in this case?” 
asked the judge. 
“No, sir,’ replied the negro, with an 
amazed look on his face, and pointing to 
his counsel; “I’se the gen’leman that stole 
the chickens; there’s the defendant.”—Ar- 
gonaut. 

“Mr. Mills,” said the spokesman of the 
workingmen’s committee, “we have come 
to tell you, sir, that we want shorter hours 
and——” 
“Very well,” interrupted the busy manu- 
facturer, “we'll begin right off with shorter 
dinner hours.”—Exchange. 
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