Not only is this fatty breakfast a necessary feature in the diet of everybody, particularly of the young and growing population, but it is likewise a most important matter with all brain workers.  If the business or professional man can put in a liberal breakfast, consisting largely of butter, fat bacon or ham, he can go on all day with a feeling of energy and buoyancy.  It is in this aversion to fatty matter, in any shape or form, that the bilious and dyspeptic are so fearfully handicapped.  And not only is it necessary for an active mental worker to be supplied with a good proportion of fatty material, but, as I have just said, it is essential that his breakfast should be a substantial one, in which his food is not stinted in any way.  As Dr. Milner Fothergill said:  “I would always back a good breakfaster, from a boy to a game cockerel; a good meal to begin the day is a good foundation.”  So, too, Mr. Christopher Heath, the well-known London surgeon, in his advice to house surgeons and other medical officers living in hospitals, says, “the first symptom of \`knocking up,/’ is an inability to eat breakfast,” and goes on to point out how important a meal it is, and that it should be taken deliberately and without undue haste.

FRUIT

It is undoubtedly a most fortunate thing for us in Australia that fruit is so abundant, and that it is easily within the reach of all.  There is something wonderfully attractive about it; its colouring in particular appeals so to the eye that a good show of well-assorted fruit is always certain to ensure attention.  Many fruits, moreover, have a magnificent fragrance which lends to their agreeable taste.  It is somewhat of a pity that fruit is not more ordinarily eaten at meals, particularly with the breakfast.  There is an old proverb that fruit is gold in the morning, silver at noon, and lead at night; and it is undoubtedly a fact that it is especially beneficial when eaten early in the day.  In France, fruit is a constant part of every meal, and there is no question but that such a proceeding is desirable.  It was formerly the custom with English people at regular dinners to have dessert on the table all through the courses, but it is now more customary to present it at the termination of the repast, so that it is quite fresh and not saturated with odours absorbed from the soup, fish, etc.

The agreeable qualities of fruits may be said to reside in three different factors.  First, there is the proportion of sugar, gum, pectin, etc., to free acid; next, the proportion of soluble to insoluble matters; and thirdly, the aroma, which, indeed, is no inconsiderable element therein.  This latter quality—­the aroma, fragrance, or perfume of fruit—­is due to the existence of delicate and exquisite ethers.  These subtle ethers Are often accompanied by essential oils, which may render the aroma more penetrating and continued.  Those