ersonal superintendence; for the activity of
the progress of the disease leaves no time to retrieve errors or atone
for neglect. The practitioner may be prompt and decided in the measures
he prescribes, but they will avail little, unless they are as promptly
and decidedly acted upon.

The parent will have her reward; for, if timely aid has been afforded,
and adequate means used, the event will be almost invariably favourable.

ITS PREVENTION.--Croup, when it has once attacked a child, is very
liable to recur at any period before the thirteenth or fourteenth year
of age. It may even do so several times, and after intervals of various
duration. It is very desirable, therefore, that a parent should be
acquainted with the means of prevention.

They consist simply in the following measures:--The careful protection
of the child from cold or damp weather, particularly the north-east
winds of spring following heavy rains. Croup is most prevalent in those
seasons which are cold and moist, or when the alternations of
temperature are sudden and remarkable. If the residence of the child is
favourable to the production of croup, (for instance, near a large body
of water, or in low damp spots,) he should, if possible, be removed to
a healthier situation. Sponging or the shower-bath, with cold water and
bay-salt, with considerable friction in drying the body, should be
commenced in summer, and employed every morning upon the child's rising
from bed. The clothing should be warm in the winter and spring, the
neck always covered, and flannel worn next the skin throughout the
year; but hot rooms, and much clothing when in bed, must be avoided.
The diet must be light and nourishing; no beer or stimulant given; and
the state of the bowels must be carefully watched.

The above precautions are of course particularly necessary to enforce
immediately after a recovery from an attack, for there is a great
tendency to relapse. If the attack takes place during the winter or
spring months, the invalid must be kept, until milder weather, in the
house, and in a room of an equable and moderately warm temperature. If
in the summer, change of air, as soon as it can be safely effected,
will be found very useful.

Sect. X.--WATER IN THE HEAD.

Water in the head is a formidable disease, and not unfrequent in its
occurrence. It is often destructive to life, and the instances are
numerous in which it has appeared again and again in the same fami