Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1871-02-08
The supply of Animal Food.

Naturalists tell us that there are 40 spe-
cies of animals known to man, but of THIS
number we have so FAR domesticated less than
fifty species. The number usually accepted
under the latter classification, is only forty
seven Many of our domestic animals, how
ever, are used as the servants or companions
of man, while they in no wise minister to our
supply of food. Only in rare instances have
civilized people resorted to the alternative of
eating more than three of tho larger species,
viz the OK, the sheep, and the hog.
The most Opulent citizens can only vary
their meals by changing the preparation of
the usual meats but the poor man has not
even this privilege. He is restricted both
in quality and quantity, and his wants are
supplied from 2 still more scanty bill of
fare.
1t is true that mankind have both fish and
fowl for their additional consumption, but Of
the former very few kinds are deemed edible.
Of the latter, we have in the domestic state
only few varieties, embracing the common
fowl, the turkey, the goose, the duck and the
guinea fowl.
The Egyptians and the Romans served up
the peacock. and we read that their great
banquets were always literally supplied with
food Of this description, cooked IN 6 variety
Of WAYS. The moderns have set this bird
aside to he admired for its plumage, but not
to be eaten Its flesh is black, tough and
unpslatable. and in this respect we have no
doubt been benefited by the change.
The world makes rapid progress in almos
everything else but its supply of meat food.
To-day we are no further advanced IN this
respect thar our Saxon ancestors were a
thousand years ago.
Within few years past horse flesh has
| been sold extensively in the meat shops Of
Paris More recently, IN the dilemma in
which that city has been placed by the war,
mule meat is used to appease the pangs Of
/ hunger, and also to sustain the physical
strength of her defenders We hear glowing
| accounts OF the tender, juicy and savory ma
/ ture Of the latter animal, but We are hardly
/ prepared to yield up QUE long-cherished in
[ divldual opinions as TO It's entire unttness as
an article of human food.
] Great advances have been made in the last
I 200 years in developing the races Of domestic
animals, and, by iudiciOus crossing, the
standard of excellence has been vastly ex-
tended both in Europe and America. The
test Of this success Is determined in looking
/ at the Durham OK, the Berkshire and Chester
pigs, the Southdown sheep, the English race
horse, the Kentucky mule, and many other
! noble specimens Of animals that are reared
I for pleasure or profit.
Within certain limits we have power t.
modify living organisms, and to render them
better adapted to fulfill the purposes of then
own creation, and likewise to add to our in
dividual comfort and interests. Weas firmly
believe in a higher standard Of physical
growth in the animal and vegetable kingdoms
a. we believe in the continued progress OF
the arts and sciences. In view Of our rap
idly increasing population, and the gradually
diminishing supplies of animal food that are
made available to our future needs, it be
hooves US to secure, if we can, some measure
of relief. Every theory that gives promise
! of successfully acclimating and homestead
/ ing useful animals, should receive the hearty
encouragement of each lover Of his race
| Mercantile Journal.