Pagina 518 van 2651

Corn, besides, or whatever else is the common and favourite

vegetable food of the people, constitutes, in every civilized

country, the principal part of the subsistence of the labourer.

In consequence of the extension of agriculture, the land of every

country produces a much greater quantity of vegetable than of

animal food, and the labourer everywhere lives chiefly upon the

wholesome food that is cheapest and most abundant. Butcher's

meat, except in the most thriving countries, or where labour is

most highly rewarded, makes but an insignificant part of his

subsistence; poultry makes a still smaller part of it, and game

no part of it. In France, and even in Scotland, where labour is

somewhat better rewarded than in France, the labouring poor

seldom eat butcher's meat, except upon holidays, and other

extraordinary occasions.