of the mucous membrane of the gums,
mouth, and stomach are unduly stimulated for a short time; and this is
followed by reaction, attended by a loss of tone, and debility of
these parts. This practice is a fruitful cause of spongy gums, decayed
teeth, sore mouth, and indigestion.

312. _Food or drink should not be taken very cold._ If a considerable
quantity of very cold food or liquid be taken immediately into the
stomach, the health will be endangered, and the tone of the system
will be impaired, from the sudden abstraction of heat from the coats
of the stomach, and from surrounding organs, to impart warmth to the
cold food or drink. This arrests the digestive process, and the food
is retained in the stomach too long, and causes oppression and
irritation. Consequently, food and drink that are moderately heated
are best adapted to the natural condition of the digestive apparatus.

_Observation._ Food of an injurious quality, or taken in an improper
manner, affects the inferior animals as well as man. The teeth of cows
that are closely penned in cities, and are fed on distillery slops, or
the unhealthy slops and remnants of kitchens, decay and fall out in
about two years. Can the milk of such diseased animals be healthy--the
proper nourishment for children?

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Give instances when it does and when it does not. 311. Why should not
food or drink be taken hot? 312. Why should they not be taken cold?
Show some of the effects of improper food upon the inferior animals.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

313. The CONDITION of the system should be regarded when food is
taken. This is necessary, as the present and ulterior condition of the
digestive apparatus is strongly influenced by the state of the other
organs of the system.

314. _Food should not be taken immediately after severe exertion,
either of the body or mind._ For all organs in action require and
receive more blood and nervous fluid, than when at rest. This is true
of the brain, muscles, and vocal organs, when they have been actively
exercised. The increased amount of fluid, both sanguineous and
nervous, supplied to any organ during extra functional action, is
abstracted from other parts of the system. This enfeebles and
prostrates the parts that supply the blood and nervous fluid to the
active organ. Again, when any organ has been in vigorous action for a
few hours, some time will elapse before the increased action of the
arteries and ne