strength, in fact to re-create bone and muscle in the system, for every
_hundred pounds weight_, the unfortunate being condemned to live upon it
solely, is obliged to gorge himself with, in order to sustain his animal
powers.

The average quantity of potatoes an adult peasant labourer consumes in
the day is about ten pounds--his meal being usually a quarter of a stone
each at breakfast, dinner, and supper; thus he receives into his system
every twenty-four hours, about 3 ounces of that which is essential to
give him power to perform his functions of labour. In other words, he
eats in that time but 3 ounces of the representative of _meat_. What
would the railroad "Navvy" of England say--what the farm labourer--if
either was doled out 3 ounces of beef or mutton per day to work upon?
and if he seemed _listless_ and unenergetic, was then taunted with the
name of "_indolent, reckless, good-for-naught_." Still, my unhappy
countrymen have received this quantum of food, with submission for ages;
and with it received those degrading appellations, as a fitting reward
for their "_endurance_."

Now, medical research has fully established that the quantum of animal
matter, be it obtained from vegetable or else, actually necessary to be
taken into the system merely to reproduce the bone and muscle worn away
by the general labourer in his day's work, is 5 ounces! It cannot
therefore be doubted, that the Irish labourer, _in Ireland_, is and has
been deteriorated in physical capability, and consequently, mental
energy, by want of proper nutrition.

Such has been his position for ages; and my firm belief is, that his
sufferings would not have been so long borne, but for the hope which
has been, from time to time, kept alive in him. Alas, how delusively!
In "Emancipation"--he was taught to see deliverance from his
miseries--mayhap, remission of his rent. In "Repeal"--"plenty of work
and plenty of money; and the cattle kept at home, and the pigs to be
eaten by himself, in place of by _the Saxon_."

Unhappy designation, and unhappy delusion, which have held the countries
asunder, in place of being one and the same in all things. But he has
lived upon that hope, until now, when it has vanished from him for ever.
And with his hope, the food that kept life barely in him has gone too.
He is bereft of all that holds existence and soul together, and sees
nought before him, even if he do live, but ceaseless struggle and
ceaseless misery. Can