n in a short time to them with the new-born
child. What an absurdity then, to suppose that only enlightened
Christian women are cursed. But one word of fact is worth a volume of
philosophy; let me give you some of my own experience. I am the mother
of seven children. My girlhood was spent mostly in the open air. I
early imbibed the idea that a girl was just as good as a boy, and I
carried it out. I would walk five miles before breakfast or ride ten
on horseback. After I was married I wore my clothing sensibly. Their
weight hung entirely on my shoulders. I never compressed my body
out of its natural shape. When my first four children were born,
I suffered very little. I then made up my mind that it was totally
unnecessary for me to suffer at all; so I dressed lightly, walked
every day, lived as much as possible in the open air, ate no
condiments or spices, kept quiet, listened to music, looked at
pictures, and took proper care of myself. The night before the birth
of the child I walked three miles. The child was born without a
particle of pain. I bathed it and dressed it, and it weighed ten and
one-half pounds. That same day I dined with the family. Everybody
said I would surely die, but I never had a relapse or a moment's
inconvenience from it. I know this is not being delicate and refined,
but if you would be vigorous and healthy, in spite of the diseases of
your ancestors, and your own disregard of nature's laws, try it."

* * * * *

SHALL PREGNANT WOMEN WORK?

1. OVER-WORKED MOTHERS.--Children born of over-worked mothers, are
liable to a be dwarfed and puny race. However, their chances are
better than those of the children of inactive, dependent, indolent
mothers who have neither brain nor muscle to transmit to son or
daughter. The truth seems to be that excessive labor, with either body
or mind, is alike injurious to both men and women; and herein lies the
sting of that old curse. This paragraph suggests all that need be said
on the question whether pregnant women should or should not labor.

2. FOOLISHLY IDLE.--At least it is certain that they should not be
foolishly idle; and on the other hand, it is equally certain that they
should be relieved from painful laborious occupations that exhaust
and unfit them for happiness. Pleasant and useful physical and
intellectual occupation, however, will not only do no harm, but
positive good.

3. THE BEST MAN AND THE BEST WOMAN.--The b