neglected, soon ceases to call.  If constipated persons will persevere in going to the closet at or near the same time every day and devote their entire time while there to the expulsion of the fecal contents, and not make it a reading room, they will bring about the desired result.  Patients are apt to become discouraged at first; they should be informed that the final result of the treatment is not influenced by the failure of the bowel to act regularly during the first few days.  Do not strain to expel the stool.

Corrections of Errors in Diet.—­This is one of the necessary features in the treatment.  All kinds of foods known to disagree should be discarded.  The foods should be easily digested.  In children the diet should be rich in fats, albuminoids and sugar, but poor in starches.  A reasonable amount of fruits such as apples, oranges, and figs should be allowed.  Meals should be at regular hours.  Foods that can be used: 

May Take—­

Soups.—­Meat broths, oyster soup.

Fish.—­Boiled fish of all kinds, raw oysters.

Meats.—­Almost any fresh tender meat, poultry, game, not fried.

Farinaceous.—­Oatmeal, wheaten grits, mush, hominy, whole wheat bread, corn bread, graham bread, rye bread.

Vegetables.—­Boiled onions, brussels sprouts, spinach, cauliflower, potatoes, asparagus, green corn, green peas, string beans, salads with oil.

Desserts.—­Stewed prunes, figs, baked apples with cream, ripe peaches, pears, oranges, apples, melons, grapes, cherries, raisins, honey, plain puddings, fig puddings, apple charlotte.

Drinks.—­Plenty of pure water, cold or hot, new cider, buttermilk, orange juice, unfermented grape juice.

Must Not Take—­

Salt, smoked, potted or preserved fish or meats, pork, liver, eggs, new bread, puddings of rice or sago, pastry, milk, sweets, tea, nuts, cheese, pineapple, spirituous liquors.

Foods classed as laxatives are honey, cider, molasses, and acid fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and oranges.  Berries are effective laxatives on account of the acids and seeds they contain.  (Huckleberries are constipating).  Prunes, dates and figs are good and effective, also fruit juices.

[Digestive organs 143]

Drinks.—­There are few laxatives better than a glass of cold water or preferably hot water, taken upon an empty stomach before breakfast; water prevents the feces from becoming dry and massed, and stimulates the intestinal movements.  A pinch of salt added to the water increases its effectiveness.

Out-door Exercise.—­This should be taken regularly and freely.

Bathing.—­The best time is before breakfast, and in as cold water as possible.  The bath should be followed by a thorough rubbing of the skin with a Turkish towel.

Clothing.—­Warm clothing in winter; cool clothing in summer.  Cold weather induces constipation, and warm weather diarrhea.  Moderate manner of living is everything.