Page:Science ofDress087.png

CHAP. VI.] its body, and the muscles powerful enough to move them. An old writer says of the children of the Caribs, "although the little creatures are left to roll about on the ground in a state of nudity, they, nevertheless, grow marvellously well, and most of them become so robust as to be able to walk without support at six months old." The word, nevertheless, which I italicize is an expression of naïve surprise, for the author had been accustomed to the swaddling and restraint system, and naturally thought no other could be successful. That the system here advocated is that which best serves the purpose of development is shown by the above quotation. By means of natural and proper exercise the muscles get strength and tone, and the bones acquire firmness. I do not think any one can cite the case of even one baby brought up carefully in arms which could walk, if only a few steps, when six months old. It is important that all the muscles should be rendered strong and firm, for they command the bones, and if one set of muscles is weak, opposing sets drag out of position the bones they should keep in their proper places. It is especially necessary that the muscles of the back should be strong; for if they are not, the greater weight of the body being towards the front, the spine will bend forwards, and the proper expansion of the chest be interfered with. The bones of the chest are: the spine at the back; the ribs at the