Page:FigsorPigs.pdf/28



It is the uniform experience and testimony of those who have abstained from animal food and its usual concomitants, for some considerable time, that their pleasure in eating is greatly increased. Their food "relishes" better. Their nerves of taste are in a healthy, natural condition, instead of being blunted and seared and "tanned" and deadened by being brought in contact with highly-seasoned, stimulating food, hot drinks, tobacco etc.

"I became a vegetarian from ethical considerations; and the problem that for sometime tormented me was, whether it were possible to keep up a successful and at all interesting existence without ox-hips. There is now no doubt about the possibility of such an existence, nor even as to its positive hygienic advantages. I had been considerable of a vulture, and for some time after eliminating flesh from my menu I had a desire for it. But gradually that desire faded away, and there came in its stead a growing repugnance for flesh. After a few weeks of fruits and vegetables there came over me a feeling of exaltation and superiority, intellectual crispness and moral and physical integrity, that was truly novel."

The blood and breath of carnivorous animals emit an unpleasant, ghastly scent, while those of herbiverous do not. Compare the cat and cow.

Says : "It is best to accustom ourselves to eat no flesh at all, for the earth affords plenty enough of things not only fit for nourishment, but for enjoyment and delight. You ask me, 'for what reason Pythagoras abstained from eating the flesh of brutes?' For my part, I am astonished to think, on the contrary, what appetite first induced man to taste of a dead carcass; or what motive could suggest the notion of nourishing himself with the flesh of animals which he saw, the moment before, bleating, bellowing, walking, and looking around them. How could he bear to see an impotent and defenceless creature slaughtered, skinned, and cut up for food? How could he endure the sight of the convulsed limbs and muscles? How bear the smell arising from the dissection?