7 MARCH 1925, Page 19

M. X. Marcel Boulestin is , one of the sensiblest and

most appetising writers-upon the preparation of food, and A Second Helping (Heinemann) should be read by all ambitious cooks. The book begins with an admirable quotation from Edmund King's Letters to Dr. Lister :- "What hopes can there be of any Progress in Learning whilst our Gentlemen suffer their sons at Westminster, Eaton and Winchester to eat nothing but Salt with Mutton, and Vinegar with their Roast Beef upon Holidays ? What Extensiveness can there be in their Souls ? Especially when upon their going thence to the University, their knowledge in Culinary Matters is seldom enlarg'd, and their Diet continues very much the same and as to Sauces they are in profound Ignorance."