APPETITE OP SWINE 
379 
Then a little later, we find the remedy for curbing the crav- 
ings of children for sweet stuffs, and this remedy is to feed 
them properly in all ways. In other words, give them a chance to 
manifest their appetite and an equal opportunity to satisfy it. 
As Hutchinson says: ‘‘When children are properly and ade- 
quately fed, they can be trusted with the candy box, the open 
fruit-basket and the nut bag, to say nothing of the key to the 
jam closet, or the pantry.’’ 
Somewhat farther on we find this facetious ‘ ‘ seasoned with 
judgment” philosophy concerning the child: “He ought not 
to eat like a pig, of course, but he should want to”. To know 
pigs is to appreciate this rich bit of sentiment. 
Fletcher^^ in his system which is widely known as “Fletch- 
erism” bases his entire system upon a proper and intelligent in- 
terpretation of a normal appetite. All his schemes appear as 
means to this end. Now listen to what is said: “Appetite is 
the most important factor in nutrition.” ^ * * “In its nor- 
mal state. Appetite is a perfect indicator of the bodily need of 
nutriment and moisture, both as to quantity and as to the chem- 
ical elements required at the moment.” * * * “Appetite 
can be easily comprehended and read and the degrees of its 
satisfaction understood by simple attention and study for a 
brief period (Vide Someren) * * * we all eat more 
than we can assimilate is unquestionable. How can we deter- 
mine the right quantity? Instinct should guide us but an ab- 
normal appetite often leads us astray. Nature’s plans are per- 
fect if her laws are obeyed”. 
MendeP^ and Osborne have noted indications “that the ani- 
mals (rats) tend to make choices which are advantageous to 
their growth”. These rats were “allowed * * * a choice (a) 
between foods comparable in every respect except the proteins, 
and (b) between foods containing the natural and artificial 
protein-free milk respectively”. 
The question of variety (which the average appetite takes 
advantage of) in the diet upon which we shall dwell but little, 
finds a champion in Sir Henry Thompson ‘ ‘ The great prac- 
tical rule of life in regard to human diet will not be found in 
enforcing limitation of the sources of food which nature has 
iiFletcher, Horace: “The A B Z of Our Own Nutrition”, 1910, 13th edition, 
pp. 6-7. 
127 &M, p. 29. 
^^Unpublished data, personal communication from Mendel, Lafayette B., 
1915. 
i^Thompson, Sir Henry: “Diet in Relation to Age and Activity,” 1908, p. 28. 
