rematurely,
and prove extremely vexatious. It is unquestionably true that a
proper, thorough and careful course of face massage will do a good
deal to help things, where the skin has become dull and lifeless, as
will especially happen in cases of general decline or ill health.

From two to four times during each twenty-four hours the face should
be gently but systematically rubbed, the best method being to employ a
fine towel or a bit of red flannel. The finger ends answer very well,
but it is quite difficult to use them without weariness. It will be
noticed after a few days that the skin is gaining in tone and vigor,
when the degree of vigor employed may properly be increased.

Bad air is one of the most potent causes of wrinkles and the remedy,
of course, is the getting of good air. Excellence of the highest
degree may not be attainable; if not, let us get the best we can. With
good air should come good living and plenty of nutritious food,
especially that which has fat-producing qualities.

Massage of the face is well recommended, using a light, gentle,
circular motion of the fingers, while much may be done by cultivating
flexibility and voluntary motions of the muscles of the face,
especially those affecting the wrinkled portions. And it may not be
amiss, though it be a delicate matter, to suggest that an overworked,
thankless, hopeless life will inevitably wrinkle the fairest face with
furrows that no agency this side of the grave can remove, till the
cause shall have been lifted.

The Feminine Waist.

We have already had occasion to discuss the question of small waists
and the abuse of proportions that tight-lacing frequently entails. We
have only to consider now the caprices of fashion with regard to
length. Sometimes this fickle goddess sends our waists up under our
arms, and then a reaction sets in, and they lengthen gradually till
the points and basques of our bodices reach very nearly to our knees.
Of the two extremes, the more sanitary, as well as the more artistic,
is the former, but these considerations have little effect on the
arrangements of fashion.

The weight of clothing should hang as little as possible from the
waist. Many women believe that it is better that it should come from
the hips than from the shoulders, but the testimony of all medical men
is clear and indisputable on this subject. Nor is it upon hygienic
grounds alone that this is objectionable. This weight from the hips
destroy