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CHAP. IX.] stituted for linen or cotton ones. Expense may, perhaps, be an obstacle, for neither pure woollen materials nor unadulterated bedding can be sold for a low price; but after all it is only the initial expense that has to be considered, and that is outweighed by the personal advantage to be obtained, for

Soon after the publication in the Queen of my articles on "Healthy Dress for the Little Ones," which form a part of Chapter VII. in this volume, a correspondent, signing herself "Northerner," wrote to the paper as follows :—

"I cannot agree with Miss Ballin, when advocating high-necked and long-sleeved woollen combinations for little girls. Once begun, they could never be left off. Fancy a girl accustomed to them up to her, say seventeenth year, and then, on her 'coming out,' obliged to wear a square or low gown. Surely she would run more than double the risk of catching cold than a girl accustomed all her life to a low-necked vest. Of course, woollen combinations may be healthier; but, as long as fashion continues as it is, girls should (if they feel the cold) wear high flannel bodices, for the risk in leaving off a garment of that description of an evening would be less than that of leaving off one worn next the skin."

Although this letter was in opposition to the opinions I had expressed, I was pleased to see it,