I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to

the least objection.

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young

healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food,

whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in

a fricassee or a ragout.

I do therefore humbly offer it to public consideration that of the hundred and twenty

thousand children already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, whereof only

one-fourth part to be males; which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle or swine;

and my reason is, that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not

much regarded by our savages, therefore one male will be sufficient to serve four females.

That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in the sale to the

persons of quality and fortune through the kingdom; always advising the mother to let them

suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump and fat for a good table. A

child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone,

the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or

salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.