The following simple rules for the expectant mother summarize the opinion of 

 the leading physicians of to-day: 



(1.) She should go about her ordinary duties as usual, unless orders to the 



contrary are given l)y lier doctor: 

 (2.) On no account should she remain inactive or give up exercise in the open 



air: 

 (3.) She should, however, avoid undue excitement and overfatigue, as well as, 



so far as is possible, mental strain and worry: 



(4.) Her food should be plain, wholesome, and free from any form of alcohol: 

 (5.) She should live and sleep in well-ventilated rooms, and spend all the time 



she can in the open air : 

 (6.) Her dress should not be tight or heavy, and her skin should be kept healthy 



by baths : 



(7.) Special attention should be given to her teeth, for one decayed tooth inter- 

 feres with nutrition and exposes the body to a process of slow poisoning : 

 (8.) No symptom of disorder or of ill-health should be neglected. In justice to 



the unborn child, medical advice should be sought. Only the expert knows 



how often " one stitch in time saves nine." 



CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDHOOD. 



Most mothers, if asked to describe the characteristics of a healthy child, would 

 most probably and properly reply that these depend upon its age. During infancy 

 the capacity for profound sleep is the most striking characteristic; a year or two 



Fig. 2. Showing relative proportions of a child and adult. 



later the ceaseless activity of a normal little boy or girl is often a source of actual 

 inconvenience to the busy mother, especially when to this restlessness is shortly 

 added an insatiable curiosity. Little fingers insist upon carrying out all sorts of 



11 



