FOOD AND FIT.NESS.* FOOD reformers are at all times apt
to be regarded with some suspicion by the majority of people, but perhaps the suspicion is even intensified by the present condition of food shortage. There is an idea that the reformers are using the crisis to grind their own particular axe. It is impossible, however, we think, for any fair-minded reader to entertain this feeling with regard to Mr. Long's moderate and thoughtful book. His credo is thus set forth :— " I am neither a vegetarian nor a fruitarian, but, while I believe that vegetable foods should form the basis and bulk of all that we eat, I would leave responsible and healthy people who have studied the functions of food to arrange their diet for themselves. As a food reformer, however, I make two reservations. The first is, that the consumption of meat should be largely reduced—it would be better abandoned by middle-aged people—and the provision of fruits largely increased."
Mr. Long combats the idea that foods of animal origin are necessary in the manufacture and repair of the muscular system, and indirectly for the provision of energy. " Vegetable foods are equally capable of muscle production, while they are much superior to the lean portion of meat in the production of energy." In these circumstances, he contends that animal food is superfluous " and much too costly for men with small incomes "—a point worthy of consideration in these days of war economy.
Mr. Long gives a great deal of practical information as to the function and proper selection of food. Particularly useful are his analysis of the values of different foodstuffs and his list of the various vegetables and fruits and their comparative merits. Whether we agree or not with Mr. Long's conclusions, his arguments, set forth so reasonably and moderately, deserve the careful attention of all those who are interested in the problem of proper feeding.
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