DUST AND ITS DANGERS. 99 



a potato-bug and then swallowing Paris green 

 to kill it was not very rational we must do 

 the best we can along the lines which have 

 been suggested in this book to prevent the 

 occurrence of these diseases by destroying the 

 germs before they get scattered in the dust, or, 

 failing in the opportunity for this, see to it 

 that the dust itself is intelligently disposed of. 

 One of the most serious obstacles in the way 

 of clean living in towns in this country is the 

 especially American expectoratory prerogative, 

 which so frequently both anticipates and ac- 

 companies the franchise in otherwise decent 

 males. The trick is early acquired by our 

 mongrel immigrants, who lose no time in bet- 

 tering our instructions. Could women, walking 

 upon our streets, leaving cars, and descending 

 from elevated railroad stations, but see them- 

 selves and their environment as others see 

 them, the management of the skirts of walk- 

 ing-suits would, it would seem, command from 

 them a more careful attention. We must 

 speak plainly here, for very surely unto dust 

 does all this expectorated unspeakableness 

 soon return. 



7 



