Part 30 (1/2)

belong to a different order of beverages. Those of Messrs Pattinson are of undoubted excellence. Their Botanic Beer, Ginger Beer Essence, Fruit Syrups--Raspberry, Black Currant, &c.--are all specially good. They are, besides, most useful in the store cupboard. Diluted at discretion, they may be used in the composition of trifles, mince-meat, puddings, &c., in place of the Sherry or other wines which are now nearly as out of date as they deserve to be, and will certainly find no place in the menage of the ”Reform” housekeeper.

Another valuable accession to ”Reform” Beverages has come in the shape of

Vegetarian Extracts.

These closely resemble meat extracts in appearance and taste, but are much finer and more delicate in flavour. Their source--from nuts or grains--also ensures such purity and wholesomeness, both for the article itself and for everything and everybody concerned in its manufacture, as is impossible with animal products.

”Marmite” and Carnos have been so often quoted in recipes as to need no further mention. ”Vigar” Extract (Pitman Co.) and Nut Extract (Mapleton) are others among the noteworthy subst.i.tutes for Meat Extracts.

MISCELLANEOUS

There are several excellent Health Foods yet to be mentioned, but which do not come easily within any table of cla.s.sification. Among the many elixirs for health-made-easy, which medical and scientific research have lent their aid to obtain, is that of a pure alb.u.men in easily a.s.similable form.

Plasmon

has a world-wide reputation, and is extensively used both in medical treatment and in the domestic menage wherever it is desirable to administer nourishment without taxing the digestive organs. It is especially valuable in cases of gastric catarrh or ulceration. Recipes for Plasmon Jelly, &c., will be found pp. 98, 110, &c.

Though in the near future dairy products may be largely superseded by those of the nut family, there are still many who will prefer ordinary cow's milk, if only that can be obtained pure, free from germs, and unadulterated. Such is to be found, we are glad to learn, in the Sterile Dry Milk supplied by the

West Surrey Dairy Co.,

who have succeeded, after much careful experiment and testing, in producing milk which in the process of preparation has been deprived of no element save germs and water. The simple addition of warm water, therefore, is all that is needed to restore it to the condition of new milk. Having lost nothing of its nutritive value, grape sugar, or organic salts, it forms a safe and valuable food for infants, and should do much to lessen the dangers of feeding by hand. It may be had Full cream, Half-cream, or ”Separated,”

so that the most delicate digestion can be suited. Besides its use for infants and invalids, it can enter into the composition of any food where milk is ordinarily used, or where additional nutriment is desired. It may be added either dry or diluted--as most convenient. One strong point in its favour is that there is no danger of its turning sour or going bad in any way--the constant danger with fresh milk; but, of course, only the quant.i.ty required for immediate use should be diluted at one time. This Milk Powder, also compressed Tablets, can be got from all Health Food Stores, as also from most grocers and warehous.e.m.e.n. If any difficulty, it can be had from Headquarters, in small packets at a trifling extra cost, and in larger quant.i.ties carriage paid.

”Wallacite Reg. 'P.R.' Specialties.”

In various parts of book, readers will have noticed commendatory reference to several ”Wallacite” goods, and I would here urge that all seeking a pure, wholesome dietary in health or sickness, should give them a trial. The range of foods is practically unlimited, every requirement of health or palate being suited, but all alike composed of pure, wholesome ingredients, guaranteed free from such deleterious substances or adulterants as yeast, chemicals, artificial colouring matter, mineral salt, &c. The variety of biscuits and cakes ranges from the plainest sorts, to suit the dyspeptic or ascetic, to the most delectable dainties for afternoon tea, not forgetting Oaten Shortcakes to specially delight the ”Canny Scot.” Nor need any one be at a loss to obtain supplies, for, besides the various Health Food Depots mentioned (see inside front cover), customers can obtain 5s. worth of cakes and biscuits carriage paid to any part of the United Kingdom, direct from headquarters, 466 Battersea Park Road, London.

Besides the ”Bakery” products there are many additions to one's resources generally. There is ”Stamina” Food for infants invalids, and, curiously enough, athletes. It is exceedingly palatable for general use in puddings, pancakes, &e., while gruel can be prepared in a few minutes. Use one part ”Stamina” Meal to four parts of fast-boiling liquid, stock, milk and water, &c.; simmer five minutes, and it is ready.

In the Pale Roasted Coffee one has coffee at its best, without the harmful properties of the ordinary article. Thus, with a selection from the other ”P.R.” dainties, including some pure fruit preserves, cocoanut or raisin nut cheese, &c., &c., one can have not only a ”Physical Regeneration Breakfast Table,” but a ”P.R.” store-room complete in itself.

There are many other Health Foods, &c., to which one would like to call attention, but s.p.a.ce admits of only one--Nut Oil with Extract of Malt ought entirely to supersede the cod liver oil horror. Since a much larger percentage of nut oil can be incorporated--30 per cent. or over, as against 10 per cent. to 15 per cent., which is the most that can be tolerated of the nauseous cod liver oil--its tonic and up-building properties are much greater. Any chemist will compound it, but it can now be had ready for use from Messrs Mapleton at the very low price of 7d. per lb. See price list, p. 103.

With regard to obtaining regular supplies of Health Food Specialties, no one need be at any loss. A post card to any of the leading depots will bring a price list from which to order direct. Some firms--Chapman, Liverpool; Winter, Birmingham: ”Pitman” Stores, &c.--send quite small parcels--5/-upwards, carriage paid.

The ”Pitman” Reform Food Stores, Birmingham, stand unrivalled for extent and completeness. Besides their ”Vigar” specialties and every possible variety of Health Foods, they have an unlimited range of cooking utensils, nut mills and appliances of every kind to facilitate the wholesome preparation of food. The ”Pitman” Steam Cooker is a marvel of cheapness and excellence, consisting of deep boiler and three upper compartments, whereby four different dishes can be cooked to perfection, each retaining its full flavour and nutritiveness.

One is here reminded that there are other factors essential to right, sound, healthy living besides good well-cooked food. It is desirable to have cleanliness and purity all round; and we are glad to be independent, even in the matter of soap, of the filthy refuse fats so often used in its manufacture. In this connection the following tribute to a vegetarian soap appeals to readers.

From ”PAPERS ON HEALTH” by Prof. KIRK, of Edinburgh.

_This book should be in every home; an invaluable book of reference.

From all Booksellers, 3/-._