Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 January 1892 — Vegetarianism. [ARTICLE]

Vegetarianism.

A theory carried to ,an extreme throws its light on queer sides of human nature. Many peoplo believe that it Is not only foolish but wrong to eat meat, and their conclusions, pushed to their furthest bounds, have an odd sound in the cars of carnivorous mankind. One enthusiastic gentleman announces his intention of eating merely the raw fruits and grains of the earth, believing that cooked food was not intended for man or boast. Ho acknowledges that a diet of nuts and fruit has hitherto made him rather ill, but cheerfully hopes to adopt it, after a longer trial. Another gentleman, 'who is not only a vegetarian but a conscientious eater of thfise fruits and grains which meet fil'd approval, would not discard tho rind of a fruit merely because it may be tough. Having grown there, he says, It must bo intended for some good purposo, and he concltitles that this pur [lose is connected with the palate of man. “I believe there must be something ' medicinal or nutrlttous in the peel of an orange,’.’ he writes.a friend, “and so I always eat it with the rest of the fruit. I must confess, however, that it never seems to agree with me." Far removed from these ultra enthusiasts, however, are many persons who have adopted the mild form of vegetarianism which consists in eating vegetables when they are to bo conveniently found. In London, especially, will such wanderers from tho beaten track find ample sustenance in vegetarian restaurants, one of which, “The Apple Tree,” is so entirely satisfactory as to merit many a visit.

Its bill of faro is long and elaborate. If one desires French names, they arc hero to bo found. Translated, the tempting titles inevitably suggest the presence of meat, and Inspire the inexperienced eater with an excited longing to know how it is all done, You order “Saronny Steak,” with & triumphant feeling that here, at last, tho cook has been caught in his own ambitious toils, and beguiled into serving up flesh. A sort of browned cake is produced, and when one investigates, it offers a hint of many grains and vegetables, so cunningly mingled and so deliciously flavored that neither eye nor tongue can distinguish form or distinct taste. A vegetable ragout sounds marvellously insipid, doe? it not? Yet when one has before him a steaming plate of tender young carrots, turnips and other spring benefactions, flavored with wondrous herbs, ho must be an exacting man, Indeed, if he is not content. From “The Apple Tree” also are to be gathered delicious puddings of figs and dates, plates of fruit smothered in cream, and many-colored salads, which delight the eye and tickle the palate. Surely, in a land where such provision is made for the flesh-hating to6th, it is bv no means so bad a thing to be a vegetarian.