There is no method of disposal of slop-water so safe and inexpensive as a trench 

 about 6 inches deep and from 15 to 20 feet long, filled with stones, and planted on 

 each side with shrubs, of which the roots absorb the fluid, so that no offence is 

 caused in even the hottest weather. 



An earth-closet is the best method known for solid excretions. The earth must 

 be dry and free from stones. A small ,quantity should be placed at the bottom of 

 the pail after emptying, and a shovelful should be shaken over the contents of the 

 pail after use. The pail should be emptied daily into a 4-inch trench in the kitchen 

 garden, the contents being just covered with earth. After a few days the trench 

 can be dug over and plants of the cabbage tribe should be the first crop raised. 

 The garden will flourish and family health will be maintained where this method 

 is adopted. 



IF ANY OFFENCE IS EXPERIENCED, 



the cause will be found either in the misuse of the pail or in its too infrequent 

 removal. No liquids must find their w T ay into the pail, and the removal should be 

 daily. In snow or frost the contents can be heaped in an outside shed, with the 

 addition of a sprinkling of dry earth, and removed when the thaw sets in. On no 

 account must the trench be dug more than 4 or 5 inches deep, as the germs which 

 convert this valuable manure into a form suitable for plant-nutrition can only work 

 near the surface; hence a deep trench defeats the end in view. 



THE CONTROL OF FLIES 



in our environment depends entirely on the proper disposal of refuse, stable manure, 

 vegetable accumulations, and so forth. Never say you cannot imagine why there 

 are so many flies. Their presence is a reflection upon your own cleanliness and that 

 of your family. Banish accumulations of refuse and you cut off your supply of flies. 

 They prefer stable manure for their breeding-grounds, but will make the best of any 

 filth which happens to be at hand! Try and persuade your men-folk to sprinkle a 

 little dry earth over the manure-heap when they clean out the stable, and you will 

 enlist valuable allies in your fight against the fly-plague. Much more could be said 

 on the subject of a healthy environment, but it is now necessary to pass on to the 

 consideration of 



(II.) INTELLIGENT RULES AND PRACTICE IN DAILY ROUTINE. 



Many people consider routine a deadly, wearisome thing. The general craving 

 to-day is for constant change and variety. Is it advantageous, then, to prescribe a 

 regularity which seems so unacceptable to the modern world? 



There is no doubt some benefit in reasonable variety in the conduct of a part 

 of our lives. Mental refreshment is associated with occasional change in the form 

 of recreation or companionship ; and physical refreshment usually follows change of 

 air and scene. But a part only of the working of our lives lies under our control ; 

 the more mechanical processes of existence are carried on independently of our 

 will and pleasure; as, for example, the act of breathing, the circulation of the blood, 

 and the process of digestion. That is to say, 



THE MECHANISM OF LIFE 



is beyond our power to govern, but it depends largely for its eflicacy upon our 

 daily habits. The machinery of our bodies works with exquisite accuracy if we 

 give it a fair chance; but, if for months we sit for hours by the fire and then 

 suddenly attempt to climb a high mountain, we must not be surprised if this 

 mechanism gets out of order from the unexpected strain put upon it! 



If we never go to bed two successive nights at the same hour, can we be surprised 

 if sleep suffer and fatigue handicap our pleasures? 



REASONABLE REGULARITY IN BODILY HABITS 



should be our rule, if we want to be efficient and healthful. It is unnecessary for 

 me again to enlarge upon the importance of regularity in meals. Punctuality is a 



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