MAY BE CULTIVATED 29 



better enabled to manage and control it, or, what 

 is infinitely better, to prevent it. 



But the pathogenic germs are only too often 

 cultivated unintentionally, with only bad results. 

 The good microbes thrive best in cleanly cultures. 

 The more cleanly the bouillon, beef tea, or other 

 substance in which they are mutiplied, the better. 

 But the bad microbes seem to require the very re- 

 verse conditions. They thrive best in unclean- 

 ness. For them the bad water of stagnant pools 

 and ponds, or of rivers, especially below villages 

 and cities, is a good culture. The bad air, too, 

 of crowded theaters, churches, ill-ventilated shops 

 and sleeping rooms, is a good culture for these In- 

 visible Foes. Likewise every decaying vegetable in 

 the cellar, every crumb of moldy bread in the 

 cupboard, every sour dish towel, unclean sink, foul 

 drain or water closet, all uncleanness in one's 

 home or about the premises, is yet an excellent cul- 

 ture inviting to the home the deadliest enemies of 

 mankind. 



"True, 'tis pity, 

 And pity 'tis, 'tis true." 



