onsiderate. Disease and
debility are thus propagated from one generation to another and the
American race becomes woefully deteriorated.

7. TIME.--Menstruation in this country usually commences at the ages of
from thirteen to sixteen, sometimes earlier; occasionally as early as
eleven or twelve; at other times later, and not until a girl be seventeen
or eighteen years of age. Menstruation in large towns is supposed to
commence at an earlier period than in the country, and earlier in luxurious
than in simple life.

8. CHARACTER.--The menstrual fluid is not exactly blood, although, both in
appearance and properties, it much resembles it; yet it never in the
healthy state clots as blood does. It is a secretion of the womb, and, when
healthy, ought to be of a bright red color, in appearance very much like
the blood from a recently cut finger. The menstrual fluid ought not, as
before observed, clot. If it does, a lady, during "her periods," suffers
intense pain; moreover, she seldom conceives until the clotting has ceased.

9. MENSTRUATION DURING NURSING.--Some ladies, though comparatively few,
menstruate during nursing; when they do, it may be considered not as the
rule, but as the exception. It is said in such instances, that they are
more likely to conceive; and no doubt they are, as menstruation is an
indication of a proneness to conception. Many persons have an idea that
when a woman, during lactation, menstruates, her milk is both sweeter and
purer. Such is an error. Menstruation during nursing is more likely to
weaken the mother, and consequently to deteriorate her milk, and thus make
it less sweet and less pure.

10. VIOLENT EXERCISE.--During "the monthly periods" violent exercise is
injurious; iced drinks and acid beverages are improper; and bathing in the
sea, and bathing the feet in cold water, and cold baths are dangerous;
indeed, at such times as these, no risks should be run, and no experiments
should, for the moment, be permitted, otherwise serious consequences will,
in all probability, ensue. {342}

11. THE PALE, COLORLESS-COMPLEXIONED.--The pale, colorless-complexioned,
helpless, listless, and almost lifeless young ladies who are so constantly
seen in society, usually owe their miserable state of health to absent, to
deficient, or to profuse menstruation. Their breathing is short--they are
soon "out of breath," if they attempt to take exercise--to walk, for
instance, either up stairs or up a hill, or ev