east one foot below the
surface of the ground. The objection to this method for more extended
use is that proper care of the cans is a disagreeable duty of which most
households soon tire.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS.--The main functions of the skin are three: to
protect underlying tissues, to excrete waste matter, and to regulate
bodily heat by checking or allowing the evaporation of perspiration.
After perspiration has evaporated solid matter is left upon the skin,
and oily matter also is deposited on it by the glands that keep the
skin lubricated. Removing these and other materials at least once a day
is desirable to improve the bodily tone and sense of well-being. Real
cleanliness is impossible without frequent use of warm water and soap.

Cold baths are stimulating, though not very efficacious for cleansing
purposes. They are valuable tonics if properly used, but delicate or
elderly persons should use them only by a physician's advice. Chilly
feelings or depression following should be the signal for any person to
discontinue cold bathing or swimming in cold water.

Warm baths are soothing in their effects, and are appropriate at bed
time, particularly for persons inclined to sleeplessness. Very hot
baths, especially if prolonged, may be harmful, and should not be taken
often.

There is no clear connection between general cleanliness and disease.
Frequent bathing does not protect a person from any particular disease,
except in so far as bathing necessarily includes washing the hands. If
typhoid germs for example have actually been swallowed, a clean bodily
exterior is of no avail in preventing typhoid fever or in diminishing
its severity. The same is true of other diseases.

But it is impossible to emphasize unduly the importance of clean hands.
Hands are prime offenders in distributing fresh bodily secretions, and
germs both innocent and harmful. All health authorities agree on this
point.

"Perhaps 90% of all infections are taken into the body
through the mouth. They reach the mouth in water, food,
fingers, dust, and upon the innumerable objects that are
sometimes placed in the mouth. The fact that the great
majority of infections are taken by way of the mouth gives
scientific direction to personal hygiene. Sanitary habits
demand that the hands should be washed after defecation and
again before eating, and fingers should be kept away from
the mouth and nose,