er harmful
kinds of microscopic plants gain entrance to our bodies and cause
disease. Concerning these, the following outline of facts should be
taken:

1. MEANS OF BACTERIA ENTERING THE BODY

(1) Through the respiratory organs

(2) Through the digestive tract

(3) Through the broken skin.

2. COMMON DISEASE-PRODUCING BACTERIA

(1) Those entering the respiratory
organs.--Mumps, scarlet fever, whooping-cough,
diphtheria, measles, pneumonia

(2) Those entering the digestive
tract.--Typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis

(3) Those coming through cuts, etc.--Skin
diseases like ringworm, blood poisoning,
lockjaw (tetanus).

[Illustration: Sink and sewer connection T--Trap. W--Waste Pipe.
H.D.--House drain. S.--Sewer.]

If housekeepers do not exercise care, these disease-producing bacteria
may enter the home, and finding there all the conditions which they
require, they will multiply, and become a menace to the family.

3. METHODS OF SANITATION

Since bacteria are too small to be seen, it is very hard to deal with
them. The housekeeper has the following ways of protecting the
household:

(1) By having all drain pipes trapped:

(2) By keeping the house free from lodging
places for bacteria:
(_a_) Keep the house clean and free of dust.
(_b_) Wash garbage pails and sinks daily and
scald them and drain pipes at least once a
week.
(_c_) Keep the refrigerators, cupboards, and
receptacles for food clean, and allow no
spoiled food to remain in them.
(_d_) Wash and sterilize the soiled clothing
once a week.
(_e_) Keep the cellar well aired and clean;
allow no decaying material to remain in it.
(_f_) Keep the door-yards clean; allow no
scraps of food, cleaning water, or sweepings to
be thrown near the house.

(3) By keeping the supply of food from disease-producing bacteria:
(_a_) Use screens to keep out flies, which
transfer bacteria from their bodies to food.
(_b_) Wash fresh fruit and vegetables before
using.
(_c_) Boil for twenty minutes water of doubtful
purity.