230 
SECOND BOOK. 
5. Light in colour in warm countries ; that it may absorb as little as 
possible of the sun’s heat. 
6. Of easy fit ; that it may not by pressure check the circulation of the 
blood, or prevent free movement of the body. 
S¥3a.±erEaSs ‘for Clothing: 
Wool. Woollen goods are of various kinds — as flannels, worsted, cash- 
mere, merino, &c. They are excellent for clothing because they are bad 
conductors of heat, and thus prevent its escape from the body. They are 
also light, of open texture, absorbent, and durable. 
Siik is a good material for hot climates, but is expensive. 
Furs are suitable for cold climates. Air being a bad conductor of heat, 
those materials are warmest that have much air in their meshes ; such as 
furs, feathers, and loose wool. 
Cotton. Cotton material is not equal to. woollen for absorbing moisture, 
and for checking the escape of heat from the body ; but it is cheaper, and 
is light. 
Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is less useful than 
cotton or wool. 
Leather, the tanned skins of animals, is strong and durable; it bends 
easily, and keeps out the wet. It is therefore the best covering for the\ 
feet. 
WHERE TO LIVE (pp. 178-183). 
The situation of a house has a great effect upon the health of its inmates. 
In choosing a site the following points should be borne in mind: — 
1. The site should be dry. Low-lying ground at the foot of a hill is 
undesirable. Not only is it damp, but it receives the drainage of the 
higher ground. 
2. The site should be well drained. For this reason a hillside is a good 
site. 
3. A soil of gravel, chalk, or sand is good, because water drains away 
freely through it. If, however, such a soil receives the drainage from 
higher lands it may become saturated, and therefore unsuitable. 
4. “Made” soils are bad, because of the harmful gases that will arise 
from decaying animal or vegetable matter in them. 
5. The site should be airy. Ravines should be avoided. 
6. It should not be closely surrounded by bush, or overhung by trees. 
