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CHAP. VII] and poor: for clothes may be made even more easily on a rational plan than in the common way, and soap and water are decidedly inexpensive; but people must devote time and thought to the subject.

By the observance of the broad principles which I have endeavoured to lay down, it will be possible to avoid the snares of prejudice and old-fashioned customs more honoured in the breach than in the observance, but which unhappily are now too widely adopted. It will be possible, by intelligently watching the necessities of child nature, to provide for its contingencies, and thus obtain the most favourable conditions under which children can start on their life-career, so that they may become strong and healthy men and women, and useful members of society, instead of puny hangers-on at the skirts of life.