THIS book will be read by friends and foes, and many will scrutinize every word. I would politely ask such—cannot the aged be excused? and remember my age. While writing the foregoing, it has been my aim to speak the truth, in a plain and easy manner, so that all could understand it—avoiding all vulgar phrases that was not necessary for your comprehension.
It has been my determination, as far as practicable, to dispose of the book myself, and only among my sex. I pray to God it may be a blessing to the rising generation. I shall always be happy to give you any information, in regard to your health, by letter. After the first of May, 1858, you can address to “Saint Vincent de Paul, Lower Canada,” nine miles from the city of Montreal; and the first of June, I shall be enabled to accommodate a few invalids, at my own house. It is situated on a branch of the Ottawa, and commands a beautiful view up and down the river; as to the location, it cannot be surpassed.
All letters must be sent by the fifteenth of May, 1858, as the number will be limited. Those that place themselves under my care, shall have my care; where there are a great number, some, of course, must be neglected. My farm is only one mile and a half from my residence, where the ladies can ride and walk. It is considered, by visitors, a delightful and healthy situation.
Reference, as to character and location:
Rev. Mr. N. La Vallie, }
Dr. Pomeville, } St. Vincent de Paul.
Dr. Pratt, }
Hon. C. C. S. De Bleury, }
THE DIET OF CHILDREN.
DURING the early stage of life, all heating and stimulating food and drinks should be strictly forbidden. They tend more certainly to produce disease, in the really excited system during childhood, than perhaps at any other period of life. Vegetables should, in fact, constitute the principal diet of children; especially the farinaceous substances—such as bread, rice, arrow-root, potatoes, &c. To these may be added milk, soft-boiled eggs, and a very moderate allowance of plain and simply cooked animal food. Children, in general, have very excellent appetites, and a sufficiency of nourishing food is absolutely necessary—not merely to renew the waste of their systems, but also to supply materials for their daily growth.
Three, or perhaps four, light meals a day, will be found a good allowance during childhood. At one of these—the dinner, or mid-day meal—animal food may be allowed, in moderation; for the others, bread, or potatoes, and milk, various preparations of rice, or rice and milk, plain bread pudding, and custard, form a proper and wholesome diet. All salted and high-seasoned food should be forbidden. Some have objected to butter for children; although experience would appear to show that a very moderate allowance of fresh butter is by no means injurious.