PHYSICAL PREPARATION. 165 



be transmitted through the union of the parents; 

 (3) to increase the desirable characteristics in 

 both parents so that offspring may be as well 

 endowed physically, mentally, and morally, as 

 possible. 



With these objects in view, every couple who 

 contemplate parentage should make a thorough atiom 

 invoice of their physical, social and intellectual 

 "stock in trade." They should note wherein they 

 are lacking and in what, excessively strong. They 

 should study their ancestry to learn what to 

 avoid and what slumbering talents and virtues 

 there are to be awakened. They should study 

 their physical and mental constitutions to see 

 wherein these are well adapted, and, therefore, 

 apt to produce good results, or are too much 

 alike and so pronounced that their union will be 

 apt to prove unfavorable to offspring. Again, p.*. TJ 

 they should decide upon the time and season, and the Objects in 

 even upon the qualities they desire to have view - 

 strongest in the offspring. With these questions 

 settled, they should plan, and systematically carry 

 out such physical, intellectual and moral training 

 as will be conducive to the best results. 



Mutual desire for offspring and mutual prepa- 

 ration is highly important. It is very difficult for Mutual Prepar- 

 one parent to accomplish much without the hearty ation. 

 co-operation and complete sympathy of the other. 

 Even during gestation, the father should increase, 

 rather than relax his interest in mental and moral 

 training. By making it a mutual labor of love, 

 the mother will be enabled to so much more 

 effectually impress the child with desirable qual- 

 ities. If the father feels, when the new life is 



