ly the mothers would not do it, if they knew that this
soothing-syrup that appears like a friend, coming to quiet and comfort
the baby, is really an enemy.

[Illustration: _Don't give soothing-syrup to children._]

Sometimes, a child no older than some of you are, is left at home with
the care of a baby brother or sister; so it is best that you should know
about this dangerous enemy, and never be tempted to quiet the baby by
giving him a poison, instead of taking your best and kindest care of
him.

REVIEW QUESTIONS.

1. What is a narcotic?

2. Name three narcotics?

3. From what is opium made?

4. For what is it used?

5. Why is soothing-syrup dangerous?

CHAPTER X.

WHAT ARE ORGANS?

[Illustration: A]N organ is a part of the body which has some special
work to do. The eye is the organ of sight. The stomach (st[)u]m'[)a]k)
is an organ which takes care of the food we eat.

THE TEETH.

[Illustration: _Different kinds of teeth._]

Your teeth do not look alike, since they must do different kinds of
work. The front ones cut, the back ones grind.

They are made of a kind of bone covered with a hard smooth enamel ([)e]n
[)a]m'el). If the enamel is broken, the teeth soon decay and ache, for
each tooth is furnished with a nerve that very quickly feels pain.

CARE OF THE TEETH.

Cracking nuts with the teeth, or even biting thread, is apt to break the
enamel; and when once broken, you will wish in vain to have it mended.
The dentist can fill a hole in the tooth; but he can not cover the tooth
with new enamel.

Bits of food should be carefully picked from between the teeth with a
tooth-pick of quill or wood, never with a pin or other hard and sharp
thing which might break the enamel.

The teeth must also be well brushed. Nothing but perfect cleanliness
will keep them in good order. Always brush them before breakfast. Your
breakfast will taste all the better for it. Brush them at night before
you go to bed, lest some food should be decaying in your mouth during
the night.

Take care of these cutters and grinders, that they may not decay, and so
be unable to do their work well.

THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN.

You have learned about the twenty-four little bones in the spine, and
the ribs that curve around from the spine to the front, or breast-bone.

These bones, with the shoulder-blades and the collar-bones, form a bony
case or box.

In it ar