Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 66.djvu/460

456 were always supplied with an abundance of 'hog and hominy' not by any means restricted to these articles, but pork or bacon was a standing portion of at least one daily meal. Consumption among them was relatively rare. My observation in this respect was not singular, but accords with all other medical observers of the time, of whom I have knowledge. Conversely, it seems hardly necessary to invite attention to the prevalence of consumption among the same people now, under their changed conditions with regard to diet. 'Hog' at least is notable by its absence from the daily fare of most of them and no other fat meat has taken its place; and consumption among them is more than twice as great as it was formerly.

The same observation extends to smaller communities, families and individuals. Consumption is most prevalent among those who are stinted or who stint themselves of 'bacon' and 'butter.' I mention these as ideal and because they are among the most digestible of fat foods; other fat foods are commendable. Everybody has learned, when it is unfortunately, in most cases, too late, that cod-liver oil is good for consumptives, but few seem to have learned that food of the same character as cod-liver oil, suitable for the table, is preventive of consumption.

In the whole course of my professional observation, now covering a period of more than sixty years, I have never known a family or an individual that was brought up on a liberal supply of butter and bacon who became tuberculous. Moreover, such food fortifies the system against other diseases as well as consumption; it establishes stamina.