Maggie was over
a million dollars, and the State itself did something also towards
preventing a greater expense by the restrain exercised upon the
criminals, paupers, and idiots of the family during a considerable
portion of their lives."

11. MODERATION.--Continence, self-control, a willingness to deny
himself--that is what is required from the husband. But a thousand
voices reach us from suffering women in all parts of the land that
this will not suffice; that men refuse thus to restrain themselves;
that it leads to a loss of domestic happiness and to illegal amour, or
it is injurious physically and morally; that, in short, such advice is
useless because impracticable.

12. NATURE'S METHOD.--To such we reply that nature herself has
provided to some extent, against overproduction. It is well known that
women, when nursing, rarely become pregnant, and for this reason, if
for no other, women should nurse their own children, and continue the
period until the child is at least nine months or a year old. However,
the nursing, if continued too long, weakens both the mother and the
child.

13. ANOTHER PROVISION OF NATURE.--For a certain period between her
monthly illness, every woman is sterile. Conception may be avoided by
refraining from coition except for this particular number of days,
and there will be no evasion of natural intercourse, no resort to
disgusting practices, and nothing degrading.

* * * * *

PRENATAL INFLUENCES.

1. DEFINITION.--By prenatal influences we mean those temporary
operations of the mind or physical conditions of the parents previous
to birth, which stamp their impress upon the new life.

2. THREE PERIODS.--We may consider this subject as one which naturally
divides itself into three periods: the preparation which precedes
conception, the mental, moral and physical conditions at the time of
conjunction, and the environment and condition of the mother during
the period of gestation.

3. PROMINENT AUTHORITIES.--A.E. Newton says: "Numerous facts indicate
that offspring may be affected and their tendencies shaped by a great
variety of influences, among which moods and influences more or less
transient may be included."

Dr. Stall says: "Prenatal influences are both subtle and potent, and
no amount of wealth or learning or influence can secure exemption from
them."

Dr. John Cowan says upon this subject: "The fundamental principles of
genius in reproduc