Page:Book of health.pdf/10

Rh A. No; if proper care be taken to keep the skin clean, they can do no harm.

Q. But will not children be scorched by the sun if exposed to its heat without being covered?

A. No: those that are accustomed from their infancy to go uncovered will not be affected by the sun.

Q. How is the hair to be kept?

A. It ought not to be combed backwards, or tied behind; but it ought to hang free round the head to protect it.

Q. Ought the hair to be often combed?

A. Yes, it ought to be kept in order, and combed repeatedly every day; which prevents vermin from settling in it, and induces cheerfulness and liveliness.

Q. Is it right that the collars of shirts and neckcloths should press the neck and its veins?

A. No; the neck ought not to be squeezed; and, therefore, children ought to have their necks bare.

Q. How ought children’s garments to be arranged?

A. So as not to impede the free and easy motions of the body, or prevent the access of the fresh strengthening air to it ; they, therefore, ought to be free, wide, and open.

Q. What further is requisite for this dress?

A. It ought to be simple, clean, light, cool, cheap, and easy to put on or take off; it ought to be different in every respect from that of older or grownup persons.

Q. How are the stockings of children to be made?

A. They must be short, and not tied: it would, therefore, be advisable to let them only wear socks, to cover the feet in the shoes.

Stockings, that cover the knees, may produce swellings in them; they ought therefore not to cover the knees, nor be worn with garters.

Q. Will not children find themselves too cold if their ankles are left bare?