ruation in large towns is
supposed to commence at an earlier period than in the country, and
earlier in luxurious than in simple life.

8. CHARACTER.--The menstrual fluid is not exactly blood, although,
both in appearance and properties, it much resembles it; yet it never
in the healthy state clots as blood does. It is a secretion of
the womb, and, when healthy, ought to be of a bright red color in
appearance very much like the blood from a recently cut finger. The
menstrual fluid ought not, as before observed, clot. If it does, a
lady, during "her periods," suffers intense pain; moreover, she seldom
conceives until the clotting has ceased.

9. MENSTRUATION DURING NURSING.--Some ladies, though comparatively
few, menstruate during nursing; when they do, it may be considered not
as the rule, but as the exception. It is said in such instances,
that they are more likely to conceive; and no doubt they are, as
menstruation is an indication of a proneness to conception. Many
persons have an idea that when a woman, during lactation, menstruates,
her milk is both sweeter and purer. Such is an error. Menstruation
during nursing is more likely to weaken the mother, and consequently
to deteriorate her milk, and thus make it less sweet and less pure.

10. VIOLENT EXERCISE.--During "the monthly periods" violent exercise
is injurious; iced drinks and acid beverages are improper; and bathing
in the sea, and bathing the feet in cold water, and cold baths are
dangerous; indeed, at such times as these, no risks should be run, and
no experiments should, for the moment, be permitted, otherwise serious
consequences will, in all probability, ensue.

11. THE PALE, COLORLESS-COMPLEXIONED.--The pale, colorless-complexioned,
helpless, listless, and almost lifeless young ladies who are so
constantly seen in society, usually owe their miserable state of
health to absent, to deficient, or to profuse menstruation. Their
breathing is short--they are soon "out of breath," if they attempt to
take exercise--to walk, for instance, either up stairs or up a hill,
or even for half a mile on level ground, their breath is nearly
exhausted--they pant as though they had been running quickly. They
are ready, after the slightest exertion or fatigue, and after the
least worry or excitement, to feel faint, and sometimes even to
actually swoon away. Now such cases may, if judiciously treated, be
generally soon cured. It therefore behooves mothers to seek medical