SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
235 
the respiration is very fast, or difficult, or wheezy, or in 
any way very unusual, we can tell it at a glance. People 
who are breathing hard are frequently relieved by being 
propped up in bed. 
To count the respiration . It is better to do this with- 
out the person’s knowledge. It may be counted by watch- 
ing the rise and fall of the chest or of the shoulders. An- 
other way is to hold the person’s hand as though taking 
the pulse, having her rest her hand and fore-arm lightly 
on the chest and count the rise and fall. 
Dishes 
Dishes used by patients with any of the contagious 
diseases, and this includes colds and sore throats, should 
be kept separate, and washed separately from the family 
dishes. They should be scalded after washing and have 
special dish cloths. Using separate utensils, and separate 
room for the sick person are two of the surest ways to 
prevent the spread of the disease. 
In such diseases as measles, scarlet fever, colds, mumps, 
influenza, dishes should be boiled every day. Put them 
in a large kettle in cold water and let them come to a 
boil. Even the thinnest glass will not break if treated 
in this way. Let the dishes stay in the water until cool 
enough to handle. 
Dish cloths and dish mops should be thoroughly washed 
in good hot water and soap, and put in the sun to dry. 
They should be boiled regularly. 
If it is necessary to disinfect linen put it all in a bag 
and leave in cold water to soak for some hours before 
putting it on to boil. Put a little washing soda in the 
water. After boiling hard for fifteen or twenty minutes 
it may be washed with the other garments. 
Stains should be washed out before putting linen in 
the wash. 
