s; these are now
less frequent. I am also less exposed to epidemics. Formerly, like other
scrofulous persons, I had nearly all that appeared; now I have very few.

You will observe that I merely state the facts, without affirming,
positively, that my change of diet has been the cause, though I am quite
of opinion that this has not been without its influence. Mental quiet
and total abstinence from all drinks but water, may also have had much
influence, as well as other causes.

5. Very few colds. Last winter I had a violent inflammation of the ear,
which was attended with some fever; but abstinence and emollient
applications soon restored me. In July last, I had a severe attack of
diarrhoea unattended with much fever, which I attributed to drinking
too much water impregnated with earthy salts, and to which I had been
unaccustomed. When I have a cold, of late, it affects, principally, the
nasal membrane; and, if I practice abstinence, soon disappears. In this
respect, more than in any other, I am confident that since I commenced
the use of a vegetable diet I have been a very great gainer.

6. The experiment was fully begun four years ago last summer; though I
had been making great changes in my physical habits for four years
before. For about three years, I used neither flesh nor fish, nor even
eggs more than two or three times a year. The only animal food I used
was milk; and for some long periods, not even that. But at the end of
three years I ate a very small quantity of flesh meat once a day, for
three or four weeks, and then laid it aside. This was in the time of the
cholera. The only effect I perceived from its use was a slight increase
of peristaltic action. In March last, I used a little dried fish once or
twice a day, for a few days; but with no peculiar effects. After my
attack of diarrhoea, in July last, I used a little flesh several
times; but for some months past I have laid it aside entirely, with no
intention of resuming it. Nothing peculiar was observed, as to its
effects, during the last autumn.

7. I never used a large proportion of animal food, except milk, since I
was a child; but I have been in the habit, at various periods of my
life, of drinking considerable cider. For some months before I laid
aside flesh and fish, I had been accustomed to the use of more animal
food than usual, but less cider; though, for a part of the time, I made
up the deficiency of cider with ale and coffee. For several mon