he pubes and other parts of the body, the enlargement of the
breasts, a general rounding and increased grace of the body, the
development of the pelvis so that the hips become more prominent, and a
change in the mental qualities of the child, the girl naturally becoming
more retiring. The menstrual function usually is not established at
once, there being premonitory symptoms of a vague nature. There may be,
at first, only a slight discharge of mucus tinged with blood, later the
normal menstrual flow will be established.

During this period of puberty there are great changes taking place in
the girl's internal organs. This change and development requires
considerable of the girl's strength and naturally influences her nervous
system. It is for this reason that a girl at this period of her life
should not be subjected to any great exertion, either physical or
mental. She should have plenty of light, healthful exercise in the open
air, but should not indulge in any very violent exercise. A little care
at this time often will save her years of suffering. As the nervous
system is greatly affected at this period there should be no great
mental strain. In fact, if the girl shows many nervous symptoms, it may
be wise to take her out of school for a year so that her strength may be
used as Nature requires it. As a rule, too much work is required in
school at this age. The school duties should be lessened and the girl
allowed to rest a day or two during her menstrual period. The girl at
this age should not attempt to accomplish as much work or study as the
boy does. Her time at this period might better be occupied in learning
the rudiments of housekeeping and home-making. Then, when her body has
become developed, her strength can be spared and can be well used in the
development of her mind. If the nervous strain too common at this age
could be relieved we would have fewer nervous women and a healthier and
happier posterity.

As puberty approaches, a mother should give her daughter adequate
information so that she should not be frightened at the first appearance
of the menstrual flow, nor take any risks at this period. Menstruation
is the sign of the possibility of motherhood. If properly taught this
fact, every girl will be glad she menstruates and will want to be
careful during the period. On account of lack of early instruction, many
a girl obtains wrong ideas regarding this function and it produces in
her a feeling of repugn