the United St that more than one half of the child, 
those cities, die under the age of twelve years. To man > 
this may appear a natural-evil; but on due examination it 
found to be one of our own creating. Were the death of infantsa 
natural evil, other animals would be as liable to die young as man; | 
but we find this is by no means the case. mee = 
It may seem strange that man, notwithstanding his superior rea- 
son, should fall so far short of other animals in the management of his” 
young ; but our surprise will soon cease, if we consider that brutes, 
guided by instinct, never err in this respect; while man trusting 
solely toart, isseldom right. Were a catalogue of those infan 
perish annually by art alone exhibited to public view, it would 
- nish most people. : te agree Bernas 
_ Ifparents are above taking care of their children, others must be 
employed for that purpose. These will always endeavor to recom- 
mend themselves by the appearance of extraordinary skill and ad- 
dress. By this means, such a number of unnecessary and destruc- 
tive articles have ‘been introduced into the diet, clothing, &c., of 
infants, that it is no wonder so many of them perish. Were the 
brutes to bring up their young by proxy, they would share the same 
5S 
fate with those of the human species. 
We mean not, however, to impose it asa task upon ev 2 
to suckle her own child; this would be impracticable as w a- 
proper in some cases of debility, disease, or nervous weakness, and 
might prove destructive both to the mother and child. Almost every 
mother would be in a condition to give suck, did mankind live agree- _ 
ably to Nature; but whoever considers how far many mothers de- 
viate from her dictates, will not be surprised to find some of them 
unable to perform that necessary office. Mothers who do not eat 3 
sufficient quantity of solid food, nor enjoy the benefit of air and ex- 
ercise, can neither have wholesome juices themselves, nor afford 
reper nourishment to an infant. Hence, children who are suckled = 
e delicate women either die young, or continue weak and sickly all. 
their lives. ae a 
When we say that mothers are not always in a condition 
their own children, we would not be understood as discour: 
practice. Every mother who can, ought certainly to perform so aj 
able and tender an office. But suppose it to be out of her powe ee 
she may, nevertheless, be of great service to her child. The busi- 
ess of nursing is by no means confined to giving suck : that is the 
easiest part of it. Nevertheless, other offices are necessary for a 
child, which the mother ought at least to see done. 
A mother who abandons the fruit of her womb as soon as it is born 
to the sole care ofan hireling, hardly deserves that name. A child, 
brought up under the mother’s eye, not only secures her affection, | 
but may reap ail the advantages of a parent’s care, though suc 
by another. How can a mother be better employed than in suj 
nding the welfare of her own offspring? This is atonce 
ul and important office; yet the most trivial busi 
usements are often preferred to it! To the praise 
erbe it spoken, they have not 
