30 PLAIN FACTS FOE OLD AND YOUNG 



purpose of the relation which the Creator has estab- 

 lished between the two sexes." 



When shall Information be Given?— It is im- 

 possible to designate a certain age at which all chil- 

 dren should receive information on sexual subjects. 

 Children differ. A safe rule is that a certain amount 

 of knowledge should be imparted as soon as curiosity 

 is manifested in this direction. If there is reason to 

 believe that the mind of the child is exercised on this 

 subject, even though he may have made no particular 

 inquiries, information should not be withheld. 



How to Impart Proper Knowledge.- No little skill 

 may be displayed in introducing these subjects to the 

 mind of the young person in such a way as to avoid 

 rousing the passions and creating sexual excitement. 

 Perhaps the general plan followed in this work (p. 74) 

 will be found a very pleasant and successful method, if 

 studied thoroughly, and well executed. 



All information should not be given at once. First 

 obtain the child 's confidence, and assure him by candor 

 and unreserve that you will give him all needed infor- 

 mation; then, as he encounters difficulties, he will 

 resort for explanation where he knows he will receive 

 satisfaction. Wlien the little one questions, answer 

 truthfully and carefully. 



The following paragraph from the pen of an able 

 physician is wisely suggestive: 



"When we are little boys and girls, our first in- 

 quiries about our ivhence are answered by the authori- 

 tative dogma of the 'silver spade;' we were dug up 

 with that implement. By degrees the fact comes forth. 

 The public, however, remains for ages in the silver- 

 spade condition of mind with regard to the science of 



