198 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



The friction thus caused aids in the cleansing, improves 

 the circulation, and also helps to give tone and life to 

 the glands. The cold shower bath is excellent, but 

 few have such a privilege at home. 



The bath in a tub of cold water gives a greater re- 

 action and is more stimulating than either the sponge 

 or the shower bath. One of the greatest benefits 

 from cold baths is the power they give to resist cold. 

 Those who take them do not often have the common 

 malady known as a cold. Their bodies, having be- 

 come accustomed to sudden changes of temperature, 

 are not easily affected by draughts. It is a fact that 

 persons in delicate health, threatened with consump- 

 tion or other serious disease, have helped to make 

 themselves strong and vigorous by taking the morning 

 cold bath. It is safe to say that those who have be- 

 come accustomed to this healthfully stimulating prac- 

 tice would willingly give up any physical pleasure of 

 the day rather than the morning bath. That so few 

 people make use of this simple health giving custom 

 is either on account of the time and trouble necessary, 

 or because they do not appreciate how much real joy 

 and zest it might add to each day's living. 



The practice of cleansing the body by baths that 

 cause a copious flow of perspiration is very general. 

 Sometimes this is done by going into rooms filled 

 with steam. These are called Russian baths. Often 

 air of a very high temperature is used instead of 

 steam. The latter are known as Turkish baths. 



