larger
than an average turnip, three substantial slices of beetroot, and a
short prong, or antler, of celery ; the whole of this garden-stuff
having been publicly exhibited but a short time before as a twopenny
salad, and purchased by Mrs. Prig, on condition that the vendor should
get it all into her pocket." " Which feat had been happily
accomplished, in High Holborn,. to the breathless interest of a hackney
coach stand." " She did not even smile ; but returning her pocket into
its accustomed sphere, merely recommended that these productions of
nature should be sliced up, for immediate consumption, in plenty of
vinegar."
"
' And don't go a-dropping none of your snuff in it,' said Mrs. Prig; '
in gruel, barley-water, apple-tea, mutton-broth, and that, it don't
signify; it stimulates a patient. But I don't relish it myself.' ' Why,
Betsey Prig,' cried Mrs. Gamp, ' how can you talk so 1 ' ' Why, ain't your patients, wotever their diseases is, always a-sneezin' their wery heads off, along of your snuff 1' said
Mrs. Prig. ' And wot if they are 1' said Mrs. Gamp. ' Nothing if they
are,' said Mrs. Prig. ' But don't deny it, Sairah ' ! ' Who deniges of
it ? ' Mrs. Gamp enquired. Mrs. Prig returned no answer."
Again : " Mr. Richard Swiveller's apartments" (Old Curiosity Shop) "
were in the neighbourhood of Drury Lane ; and had the advantage of
being over a tobacconist's shop ; so that he was able to procure a
refreshing sneeze at any time by merely stepping out on the staircase;
and was saved the trouble, and expense of maintaining a snuff-box."
''
A very important point is that the vegetables themselves for curative
purposes must be healthy. In America, where they have so much virgin
soil, the condi-
