he substance, which has the good effect. Hence we
recommend rubbing with simply good olive oil. For an infant, the back
must be massaged very gently, taking care not to hurt the child in any
way. It should be applied especially up and down each side of the back
bone, where there is a softer region, full of important nerve centres.
The limbs may also be gently rubbed. A genial heat should be raised in
all the infant's body by these means, and, if rightly done, the child
will eagerly wish for it again. Half-an-hour a day may be given to
this. It is well to persevere for a long time, and never give up hope.
Many a weak-limbed child has grown up a strong, healthy man or woman.
_See_ Massage.

The food in such cases should be good ordinary food. We have never been
able to see the good of cod liver oil that is so generally recommended.
It seems to us a most unnatural thing for a human being, young or old.
Cream and butter will supply a far more easily assimilated fat at much
lower cost. We may also say that honey is more wholesome and fattening
than malt extract, and costs only one-fifth of the price.

The feeding of children on corn flour, often made with but little milk,
is a fruitful source of rickets. The same may be said of white bread,
the flour having been largely deprived of its food salts. Giving
children lime water, with the idea that the body can convert it into
bone (as a hen makes her egg shells out of old mortar) is an entire
mistake. The human system cannot use such inorganic material. The men
of best bone, so far as we can judge, are those who have been nourished
in great measure on good oatmeal.

Children's Nerves.--The nervous system of children is often damaged by
shock or fright, sometimes very seriously, so that paralysis or
hysterical affections come on.

Blindness, deafness, loss of speech, every possible loss of function
may follow a violent shock to a child's mind or bodily system. Care
must be taken to avoid this. The moment you see the child affected by
any strange sight or sound have, if possible, the child removed or the
affecting object put away, or have some one who can soothe the child
brought to calm its mind. This properly done, and done quickly, will
usually prevent any evil effects. If, however, these come on, treatment
can do a very great deal to remedy the ill. If fits come on, lay the
child flat on his back, with head slightly raised. Place a piece of
cork or wood between the teeth