216 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



to him through his ancestors, and which, under more 

 favorable circumstances, was more fully developed in 

 his sons'? The trait may have been kept dormant by 

 the active and simple habits of his early years, but 

 asserted itself in full force under the fostering influ- 

 ence of royal idleness and luxury. In accordance with 

 the known laws of heredity, such a tendency would be 

 the legitimate result of such a combination of circum- 

 stances. 



Early Causes.— The frequent custom of allowing 

 children of the opposite sex to sleep together, even 

 until eight or ten years of age, or longer, is a danger- 

 ous one. We have known of instances in which 

 little boys of seven or eight have been allowed to 

 sleejD with girls of fourteen or sixteen, and in some 

 cases most shameful lessons were taught, and by 

 persons who would not be suspected of such im- 

 propriety. 



The sexes should be carefully separated from each 

 other, at least as early as three or four years of age, 

 under all circumstances which could afford opportunity 

 for observing the physical differences of the sexes, or 

 in any way serve to excite those passions which at this 

 tender age should be wholly dormant. 



Diet vs. Chastity.— From earliest infancy to im- 

 potent old age, under the perverting influence of civili- 

 zation, there is a constant antagonism between diet and 

 purity. When old enough to take food in the ordinary 

 way, the infant's tender organs of digestion are plied 

 with highly seasoned viands, stimulating sauces, ani- 

 mal food, sweetmeats, and dainty tidbits in endless 

 variety. Soon tea and coffee are added to the list. 

 Salt, pepper, ginger, mustard, condiments of every 

 sort, deteriorate his dailv food. 



