Running Recollections and How to Train

141 The diet or regimen is the nextpoint of consideration, and is very simple. As the intention of the trainer is to preserve the strengthof the pedestrian, he must take care to keep him in good condition by nourishing food. Animal diet is alone prescribed, andbeet and mutton are preferred. The lean of fat beef cooked in steaks, withvery little salt, is the best, and it should be rather under-done than otherwise. Mutton beingreckoned easyof digestion, may be occasion­ ally given, to vary the diet andgratify the taste. The legs of the fowlare highly esteemed. It is preferable to have the meat broiled, asmuch of its nutritivequality is lost by roasting orboiling. Biscuit and stale bread are the only preparations of vegetable matter wh'.ch are permitted to be given, and everything inducing flatulencymust be carefully avoided. Veal and lamb arenever allowed, nor pork, which operates as a laxative on some people ; all fat or greasy substances are prohibited, as they induce bile, and con­ sequently injure the stomach. But it IIMS been proved by experience, that thelean of meat contains more nourishment than the fat, and in every case the most substantial food is preferable to anyother kind. Vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, or potatoes, are never given, as they are watery and of difficult digestion. On the same principle, fish must be avoided, and, besides, it is not sufficiently nutritious. Neither butter nor cheese is allowed ; the one being very indigestible, and the other apt to turn rancid on the stomach. Eggs are also forbidden, excepting the yolk taken raw in the morning. And it must be remarked, that salt, spices, and allkinds of seasonings, with the exception of vinegar, are prohibited. With respect to liquors, they must alwaysbe taken cold ; and home brewed beer, old but not bottled, is the best. A little redwine, however, may be given to those who are