r and stout. Ale, except for
a few constitutions, is too subtle and too sweet, generally causing
acidity or heartburn, and stout alone is too potent to admit of a full
draught, from its proneness to affect the head; and quantity, as well as
moderate strength, is required to make the draught effectual; the equal
mixture, therefore, of stout and porter yields all the properties
desired or desirable as a medicinal agent for this purpose.

2476. Independently of its invigorating influence on the constitution,
_porter exerts a marked and specific effect on the secretion of milk;
more powerful in exciting an abundant supply of that fluid than any
other article within the range of the physician's art;_ and, in cases of
deficient quantity, is the most certain, speedy, and the healthiest
means that can be employed to insure a quick and abundant flow. In cases
where malt liquor produces flatulency, a few grains of the "carbonate of
soda" may advantageously be added to each glass immediately before
drinking, which will have the effect of neutralizing any acidity that
may be in the porter at the time, and will also prevent its
after-disagreement with the stomach. The quantity to be taken must
depend upon the natural strength of the mother, the age and demand made
by the infant on the parent, and other causes; but the amount should
vary from _one_ to _two_ pints a day, never taking less than half a pint
at a time, which should be repeated three or four times a day.

2477. We have said that the period of suckling is a season of penance to
the mother, but this is not invariably the case; and, as so much must
depend upon the natural strength of the stomach, and its power of
assimilating all kinds of food into healthy _chyle_, it is impossible to
define exceptions. Where a woman feels she can eat any kind of food,
without inconvenience or detriment, she should live during her suckling
as she did before; but, as a general rule, we are bound to advise all
mothers to abstain from such articles as pickles, fruits, cucumbers, and
all acid and slowly digestible foods, unless they wish for restless
nights and crying infants.

2478. As regards exercise and amusement, we would certainly neither
prohibit a mother's dancing, going to a theatre, nor even from attending
an assembly. The first, however, is the best indoor recreation she can
take, and a young mother will do well to often amuse herself in the
nursery with this most excellent means of