ABSTRACT
Water is generally the principal drink of soldiers, serving likewise for the preparation of their food and other purposes; that which is lively and agreeable, transparent and without odour, which boils beans or peas readily and dissolves soap without curdling, should be preferred. Water that is most pure and healthy is that which has been agitated and combined with the air of the atmosphere; water from dissolved snow is not considered healthful. Cider furnishes an agreeable and healthy beverage, nourishing and refreshing; it excites pleasant warmth in the stomach and is free from the pernicious effects. It should be perfectly sound and well refined. But when recently made and used in immoderate quantities, it occasions flatulence, colic, or diarrhoea. Beer when properly made is very healthful and nourishing, but when too new it is apt to produce flatulency and colic.
