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CHAP. VI.] when the head falls forward, and the spine becomes bent, the cushion-like cartilages between the vertebræ become thinned on the inner side, and the angle at which the ribs stand out from the spine is diminished; the ends of the ribs are thus brought nearer together, the breast-bone drawn inwards, and the cavity of the chest diminished. The ribs in inclining downwards push down the organs of the chest, so that they press on to the abdominal organs, and prevent them from acting properly. The same evil results in an increased degree in tight lacing, as I shall point out when discussing that subject.

Children should not be allowed to sit up until they have been seen to do so on their own account, which they will, as soon as they are strong enough, if left to themselves. This leads me to remark that the high chairs used for young children are injurious. A bar is placed across the front of the chair to prevent the little one from falling out, and the little one leans forward against it to get at the playthings on the table in front. The chest is thus pressed inwards against the bar, the shoulders are rounded with the scapulæ projecting, the head falls forward, and the muscles of the back are elongated and weakened. The legs, too, resting on the board placed underneath to support them, are cramped, and the child is actually forced into a bad and unhealthy position.

A rug on the floor is the best place for a small child to play, and it should be allowed to roll about as much as it likes. As it grows bigger, a low