23.  “EXERCISE should be sufficient and of such a character as will bring into action gently every muscle of the body; but must particularly develop the muscles of the trunk, abdomen and groin, that are specially called into action in labor.  Exercise, taken faithfully and systematically, more than any other means assists assimilative processes and stimulates the organs of excretion to healthy action.

24.  “BATHING MUST BE FREQUENT and regular.  Unless in special conditions the best results are obtained from tepid or cold bathing, which invigorates the system and overcomes nervousness.  The sitz-bath is the best therapeutic and hygienic measure within the reach of the pregnant woman.

“Therefore, to establish conditions which will overcome many previous infractions of law, dress naturally and physiologically; live much of the time out of doors; have abundance of fresh air in the house; let exercise be sufficient and systematic; pursue a diet of fruit, rice and vegetables; regular rest must be faithfully taken; abstain from the sexual relation.  To those who will commit themselves to this course of life, patiently and persistently carrying it out through the period of gestation, the possibilities of attaining a healthy, natural, painless parturition will be remarkably increased.

25.  “IF THE FIRST EXPERIMENT should not result in a painless labor, it without doubt will prove the beginning of sound health.  Persisted in through years of married life, the ultimate result will be more and more closely approximated, while there will be less danger of diseases after childbirth and better and more vigorous children will be produced.

“Then pregnancy by every true woman will be desired, and instead of being a period of disease, suffering and direful forebodings, will become a period of health, exalted pleasure and holiest anticipations.  Motherhood will be deemed the choicest of earth’s blessings; women will rejoice in a glad maternity and for any self-denial will be compensated by healthy, happy, buoyant, grateful children.”

[Illustration]

[Illustration:  SWAT THE FLIES AND SAVE THE BABIES.  LIFE CYCLE OF A FLY
  EGG STAGE 1 DAY
  MAGGOT STAGE 5 DAYS
  PUPA STAGE 5 DAYS
  14 DAYS LATER IT BEGINS TO LAY EGGS]

[Illustration:  JOAN OF ARC.]

* * * * *

SOLEMN LESSONS FOR PARENTS.

1.  EXCESSIVE PLEASURES AND PAINS.—­A woman during her time of pregnancy should of all women be most carefully tended, and kept from violent and excessive pleasures and pains; and at that time she should cultivate gentleness, benevolence and kindness.