On the other hand it may be justly urged that though the too liberal use of meat by those who live sedentary lives and who are past middle age is strongly to be deprecated, and though it is a fact that beans and grains can furnish a large supply of albuminous food, yet there is an abundance of evidence in support of the opinion that no diet is so favourable to the production of that condition of the muscles which enables a man to undergo prolonged and excessive muscular exertion, as lean meat, particularly beef. Under this diet the muscles seem to attain a firmness and contractile power not otherwise produced. During the training of athletes the diet consists of underdone meat and a small amount of bread and vegetables, fluids are restricted, and only a small quantity of tea and beer is allowed, all sweets, pastry, puddings, entrees, sauces, pickles, and condiments are strictly forbidden. This diet, accompanied with exercise, will in about the space of six weeks reduce all superfluous fat, and give the muscles firmness, bulk and great contractile power.