VIGOR AND VEGETARIANISM.
By S.
The non-meat diet is proving itself a health-preserver and strength-producer among classes of men who had been supposed by many to require a heavy meat diet. Men who have given themselves to athletics are finding that they can accomplish more and do better what they do accomplish by living on a grain and fruit diet. To the surprise of many in the Old World the majority of their athletic endurance tests are being won by vegetarians. Even the pugilist is not insensible to the benefits to be derived from the diet that discards meat, as will be seen from the experience of “Kid Parker,” related in The Vegetarian of April 15:— My experience as a vegetarian dates back to last June. I was in England at the time, and I noticed there that the strongest and most rugged class were vegetarians not from choice, but as a matter of necessity, as meat in England is a luxury which only the wealthy can afford. So I began to give the matter serious thought, and as a result I determined to experiment a little on myself. Previous to this time I had been a great believer in the merits of a flesh diet, and always ate meat three times a day and frequently more often. But I decided to eat meat but twice a week, and I felt better because of it, so I cut it to once a week. I got such good results from this that I then reduced my meat meals to once in two weeks, and, surprising as it may seem, I felt better in every way. I next got it down to once a month, and with such gratifying results that I decided to leave off the use of meat altogether. Since that time I have been a strict vegetarian, and I have been rewarded in more ways than one. I have gained in mental power and increased my physical endurance. The increased clearness of intellect is unmistakable, and I believe I am a better man in every way—physically, mentally, and morally. This diet, with temperance in other things, including healthful habits, will surely work wonders for any one who is open to conviction, and who will give vegetarianism a good, fair trial; and I will say further that any fair-minded man who is open to conviction, and who will give this idea sober consideration, will surely find plenty of good food for thought in this great subject. If such a diet will keep a pugilist alive, certainly the man of ordinary vocation will not starve upon it. On the contrary, he will thrive on it; and there is no doubt that the pugilist who adopts the vegetarian diet will gradually lose his brutal tendencies until he will cease to take delight in such an occupation, not because his vitality is weaker, but because his brain is clearer, his blood cleaner, and his heart purer, and he is able to see something better and more important in life than the inducements of the prize ring and the applause of the blood-mad audience.