bacon. Boys between 13 and 18 years were allowed 1 extra coupon for
bacon, poultry, or game. But at the same time only 2 instead of 3
coupons were to be used for fresh meat, so as to cut down further the
slaughtering of cattle. Heavy fines are imposed for wasting food or
profiteering.

In the restaurants the meat portions are about a fifth of the size
of those served in an American hotel. An American staying in London
said recently that he could eat two meals in succession in a London
restaurant, and leave the table still minus that self-satisfied
feeling that a meal in America gives.

At first France used meatless days instead of rations, and in the
spring of 1918 went back to meatless days. High prices also keep down
consumption. In July, 1917, there were 2 meatless days, and cattle
could not be slaughtered on the 2 preceding days. Though this order
was abolished in October, 1917, meat had gone up so high in price
that consumption went away down. The Paris letter of the London _Daily
News_ and _Leader_ on February 28, 1918, says that rump steak was
selling for 4 shillings 2 pence--$1 per pound. Since May 15, 3 days a
week must be meatless--Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. On these days
all butchers' shops are closed. Horse meat may be sold, but no poultry
or game. Fish is scarce and very expensive.

Italy has meatless days, formerly 2, and since May, 1918, 3. The
ration and the number of cattle to be slaughtered are decided locally
and strictly regulated.

The Central Powers probably have the lowest meat ration. The
quantities allowed vary in different parts of the country, but the