386 THE FARMER AT HOME. 



SOAP. Pure white soap ought to be invariably used in ablutions 

 of the face and hands, or of the surface generally. But it may be 

 asked, what necessity is there for the use of any kind of soap in wash- 

 ing ? We reply, that personal cleanliness cannot be effectually 

 secured without it. A few remarks will render this evident to every 

 one. In addition to the perspiration which is thrown out by the skin, 

 a portion of which always remains upon this surface, it is constantly 

 lubricated by an oily fluid. It is this that occasions, after bathing, 

 the water, with which it does not unite, to collect in minute drops upon 

 the body, and which gives to the skin of those in whom it is furnished 

 in large quantities, an habitual greasy and dirty appearance ; while 

 of those in whom it is deficient, the skin has a harsh, dry, and scaly 

 aspect. This oily exudation greases the linen where it is worn for 

 too long a time catches the dust floating in the air, and causes it to 

 adhere to the skin, and likewise retains in contact with our bodies, a 

 portion of the excrementitious matter? which it is the office of the 

 skin to discharge from the system. The removal of this deposit, 

 which is constantly accumulating, is absolutely necessary, as well for 

 personal comfort as for the preservation of health. Now the oily 

 matter referred to, with the foreign substances accidentally combined 

 with it, is not readily or completely soluble in simple water ; it can- 

 not, therefore, be effectually removed without the occasional use of 

 soap, with which it combines without difficulty. 



The frequency with which it is necessary to wash with soap will 

 depend, in a great measure, upon the occupation and exposure of in- 

 dividuals. If these be such as do not subject them to an atmosphere 

 loaded with dust, or to the frequent contact of such substances as have 

 a tendency to soil the skin, washing the face, hands, and arms, once 

 a day, with soap and water, will be sufficient, particularly if the 

 water be warm or tepid, and its application be followed by brisk fric- 

 tion with a somewhat coarse towel. But mechanics, and they who, 

 from any cause, are peculiarly liable to have deposited upon their 

 skin, dust, dirt, or any foreign matters, will find that washing several 

 times a day, especially before each meal, and previously to retiring 

 to bed, in addition to a frequent use of the bath, will be demanded, 

 as well for the preservation of the skin as of their health generally. 

 Upon the laboring classes the importance of frequent ablutions cannot 

 be too strongly urged cleanliness of the person in its strictest sense, 

 is too often practiced by them in a very imperfect manner. Repeated 

 washing of the face, hands, arms, and feet, though all important, is 

 not sufficient. The entire surface of the body requires equal atten- 

 tion ; arid it would be well if measures were adopted to afford to 

 every laborer and mechanic the time and means for the daily use of 

 the bath in summer, and its not unfrequent use in winter. 



SOIL. Soil is the general name applied to the surface of all sorts 

 of land. It consists of the fine powdery material formed by the 



