240 
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
When cold compresses are applied to the head there 
should be a hot water bag at the feet. 
Gargles , sprays , and inhalations are often ordered for 
sore throats and colds. 
Salt or soda added to water in the proportion of a tea- 
spoonful to a pint makes an excellent gargle. 
A very cold gargle or one as hot as can be held with- 
out burning is better than a tepid one. 
Do not go out in the cold air directly after using a 
hot gargle. 
Use at least six separate mouthfuls each time you 
gargle, and hold long enough at the back of the throat 
for the gargle to reach every part. 
A spray should not be used for the nose without a 
special order from the doctor. The liquid sometimes 
gets into the passage leading to the ear and causes ear- 
ache. ' 
Always wipe the nozzle of the atomizer before using. 
It should be cleaned after each use and boiled, if an- 
other patient is to use it. Always boil the nozzle and 
clean out the bottle when the atomizer is to be put away. 
Keep it in a box where dust will not reach it. 
Inhalations are useful to relieve difficult breathing 
and for loss of voice or hoarseness. Fill a pitcher, bowl, 
or basin, two-thirds full of boiling water. Wrap with 
a towel to prevent burning if it should touch a patient. 
Usually drugs such as peppermint spirits, oil of eucalyp- 
tus, or tincture of benzoin, in dose of a teaspoonful to 
the hot water contained in the receptacle, is enough. If 
no drug is at hand, the steam itself may be depended upon 
to do some good. Pin one end of a bath towel around 
the face below the eyes and spread the other over the 
pitcher inhaling the steam as it rises. It may not be 
possible to induce a child to do this, in which case make 
a tent of an open umbrella with a sheet thrown over it 
