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CHAP, I.] dull, pleasureless, if not absolutely painful way. Without laying oneself open to the charge of selfishness, the care of self ought certainly to occupy a considerable amount of the thought and attention of every individual, and it is only by such care that the condition of the community can be improved.

This principle once acknowledged, no item, however seemingly trifling, which concerns the well-being of the individual can be looked upon as unimportant; and, among other subjects, dress will receive the consideration it merits as a factor in the making or breaking of health, instead of being left to the tender mercies of the ignorant, the idle, and the frivolous.

The battle of dress reform is at the present time being vigorously fought, but the soldiers of the rebel camp have unfortunately adopted a mistaken plan of attack in falling upon the enemy just where he, or rather she, is the strongest. They have all endeavoured to make changes in the dress of the adult, forgetting that the customs and habits of adults are formed, and that the human adult mind entertains the strongest prejudice against change of any sort, even if it be for the better. There is nothing more difficult to alter than a habit once formed, while to prevent a bad habit from being formed is quite easy. The grown-up woman of to-day has been broken in from childhood to wear the ordinary garments and submit to the fashion of the time. She has grown accustomed to them, and custom has so dulled her senses that they utter no protest, however inherently uncomfortable, and