394 CIRCULATION AND RESPIRATION 



Hair and nails are special forms of epidermis; they grow from pits 

 (" roots") in the dermis. 



The functions of the skin are to cover the body, to assist in the sense 

 of touch, to excrete perspiration, and to help regulate the body's 

 temperature. 



Bathing restores to the skin a fresh, clean surface, so that it can 

 carry out its functions. 



397. Exercises. 



1. With what organs of speech do you make the sounds of k, I, g, d, 

 t, m, s, and/? Find out how you make the sounds of all the letters of 

 the alphabet, and make a list of them, putting together all the letters 

 that seem more or less alike. 



2. If you feel chilly, a few deep breaths, especially if you "hold 

 your breath" while the lungs are full, will make you warm. Tell why. 



3. Why should one go to bed when he has a bad cold? 



4. What harm is done by the wearing of tight belts? 



5. What is the danger in the taking of a hot bath, and then going 

 out into the cold air? How may the danger be made less? 



6. What are the uses of the finger nails? 



7. How can a person's finger prints be used in identifying him? 



8. Why is nasal catarrh so common a disease? 



9. How does a dog cool his body when he is hot? 



10. Alcohol drives the blood into the skin, giving a temporary feel- 

 ing of warmth. Is a drinker wise in " fortifying" himself with liquor 

 before going out into the cold? 



11. Tramps often keep themselves warm in cold weather by putting 

 a sheet or two of newspaper inside their coats; explain. How could 

 you use .this fact to keep yourself warm, if you found the bedding of 

 your room insufficient? 



