should keep herself in good physical condition, and the
system well nourished, as a want of food always injures the child.

8. THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE MIND.--The mother should read suitable articles
in newspapers or good books, keep her mind occupied. If she cultivates a
desire for intellectual improvement, the same desire will be more or less
manifested in the growth and development of the child. {290}

9. LIKE PRODUCES LIKE, everywhere and always--in general forms and in
particular features--in mental qualities and in bodily conditions--in
tendencies of thought and in habits of action. Let this grand truth be
deeply impressed upon the hearts of all who desire or expect to become
parents.

10. HEREDITY.--Male children generally inherit the peculiar traits and
diseases of the mother and female children those of the father.

11. ADVICE.--"Therefore it is urged that during the period of
utero-gestation, especial pains should be taken to render the life of the
female as harmonious as possible, that her surroundings should all be of a
nature calculated to inspire the mind with thoughts of physical and mental
beauties and perfections, and that she should be guarded against all
influences, of whatever character, having a deteriorating tendency."

[Illustration]

{292}

Education of the Child in the Womb.

"A lady once interviewed a prominent college president and asked him
when the education of a child should begin. 'Twenty-five years before
it is born,' was the prompt reply."

No better answer was ever given to that question. Every mother may well
consider it.

[Illustration: THE BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY.]

1. THE UNBORN CHILD AFFECTED BY THE THOUGHTS AND THE SURROUNDINGS OF THE
MOTHER.--That the child is affected in the womb of the mother, through the
influences apparently connected with objects by which she is surrounded,
appears to have been well known in ancient days, as well as at the present
time.

2. EVIDENCES.--Many evidences are found in ancient history, especially
among the refined nations, showing that certain expedients were resorted to
by which their females, during the period of utero-gestation, were
surrounded by the superior refinements of the age, with the hope of thus
making upon them impressions which should have the effect of communicating
certain desired qualities to the offspring. For this reason apartments were
adorned with statuary and paintings, and special pains were taken not on