My objection to pork was, that it was rich and gross; this does not apply to veal; but the objection to it is, that it is more difficult of digestion that either mutton or beef; indeed, all young meats are harder of digestion than meats of maturity; thus mutton is more digestible than lamb, and beef than veal.
149. Do you disapprove of salted and boiled beef for a child?
If beef be much salted it is hard of digestion, and therefore ought not to be given to him; but if it have been but slightly salted, then for a change there will be no objection to a little. There is no necessity in the winter time to salt meat intended for boiling; then boiled unsalted meat makes a nice change for a child's dinner. Salt, of course, must with the unsalted meat be eaten.
150. But suppose there is nothing on the table that a child may with impunity eat?
He should then have either a grilled mutton chop, or a lightly-boiled egg; indeed, the latter, at any time, makes an excellent change. There is great nourishment in an egg; it will not only strengthen the frame, but it will give animal heat as well: these two qualities of an egg are most valuable; indeed, essential for the due performance of health: many articles of food contain the one qualification, but not the other: hence the egg is admirably suitable for a child's occasional dinner.
151. Are potatoes an unwholesome food for a child?
New ones are; but old potatoes well cooked and mealy, are the best vegetable he can have. They ought to be well mashed, as I have known lumps of potatoes cause convulsions.
152. Do you approve of any other vegetables for a child?
Occasionally: either asparagus or broccoli, or cauliflower, or turnips, or French beans, which latter should be cut up fine, may with advantage be given. Green peas may occasionally be given, provided they be thoroughly well boiled, and mashed with the knife on the plate. Underdone and unmashed peas are not fit for a child's stomach: there is nothing more difficult of digestion than underdone peas. It is important, too, to mash them, even if they be well done, as a child generally bolts peas whole; and they pass through the alimentary canal without being in the least digested.
153. Might not a mother be too particular in dieting her child?