The phenomena produced upon a strong and healthy boy plunging into this bath will be as follows:—­He will first experience a sensation of cold, followed by slight shuddering, and, if the immersion has been sudden, a peculiar impression in the nervous system, called a shock.  Almost immediately after the shock, the feeling of cold will vanish, and give place to a sensation of warmth, speedily diffusing itself over the whole frame.  If the boy leaves the bath at this time, or, at all events, before the warmth of the body goes off, and quickly dresses himself, a renewal of the reaction which had followed the shock of immersion will be experienced; he will be in a most delightful glow,—­ there will be a general feeling of enjoyment, accompanied by a sensible increase of animal power, and invigoration of the whole system.  But, on the other hand, if the boy greatly prolong his stay in the water, no reaction will ensue, and he will become chilly, which will gradually increase to a strong and general shivering;—­his feet and legs will become benumbed, and the whole body will soon be languid, exhausted, and powerless.  The same result will happen to the young and delicate infant, if plunged into this bath; the same sensations will be produced; except that here the shock is scarcely followed by any reaction, and therefore from the first moment of the immersion, the shivering and consequent train of sensations occur.  This arises from the infant at birth having less power of producing heat than when further advanced in age.

From the foregoing remarks, then, it will be seen, that, in early infancy, the cold bath is inadmissible, and water of a higher temperature than that which feels cool to the hand of the nurse should always be used at this age.  But that, as the child grows older,—­if of a healthy and vigorous constitution,—­the cold bath is unquestionably most desirable; and, if used in a proper manner, will be found to act as a most powerful tonic to the system.  The summer is of course the only period of the year when the cold plunging bath can be resorted to for the child.

SEA BATHING.

When sea bathing can be obtained, it is even more conducive to the health of the child than the fresh water plunge bath; for the sea water is more tonic, stimulant, and bracing, than fresh.  The period of the year best adapted for sea bathing is the summer and autumn.  The best time of the day for bathing is two or three hours after breakfast; except in very hot weather, when an earlier hour must be chosen.  Exercise is always useful previously to the bath; but it must be gentle, so as not to induce fatigue or much perspiration, Then the bath must be entered suddenly, with a plunge, inasmuch as an instantaneous immersion produces a greater reaction than a gradual immersion.[FN#22] The length of time of remaining in will depend upon circumstances.  One dip only is enough at the first bath.  Subsequently the time of remaining