3646. The farinaceous (or mealy) are far more nutritious than other vegetables; but none are sufficiently so to sustain the constitution under the cares and labors necessary to the full development of the energies of body and mind.
3647. And unless these can be developed and sustained, the rational and moral character of the human race will never be perfected.
3648. Still, though animal food is never, except in peculiar cases of disease, to be wholly abandoned, we must be quite as scrupulous not to neglect the vegetable part of our diet. This is necessary in order to prevent the concentrated diet of flesh from too sudden and stimulating action.
3649. Besides, our nature demands a portion of vegetables to keep the system in proper and healthy order. A mixed diet is the only right regimen—the proportions of the different kinds of food vary, with different ages and constitutions, in different climates and seasons; still, in some degree, this rule should never be abandoned.
3650. The very young require a large portion of mild farinaceous vegetables, such as rice, sago, tapioca, and potatoes; the two first are very easy of digestion.