iously of the juice of the cane, yet
their teeth are not injured; on the contrary, they have been praised by
writers for their beauty and soundness; and the rounded form of the
body, whilst they can indulge in the juice, sufficiently testifies to
the nutrient qualities of the saccharine beverage."[FN#13] Sweetmeats,
on the other hand, are most indigestible, and seriously injurious.

[FN#13] Elements of Hygiem. Philadephia, 1835.

SALT.--This is necessary for the health of a child; it acts as a
stimulant to the digestive organs, and if not allowed in sufficient
quantity with the food, worms will result.[FN#14] It may, therefore, be
added in small quantity, and with advantage, even to the farinaceous
food of infants. Salted meats, however, should never be permitted to
the child; for by the process of salting the fibre of the meat is so
changed, that it is less nutritive, as well as less digestible.

[FN#14] Lord Sommerville, in his Address to the Board of Agriculture,
gave an interesting account of the effects of a punishment which
formerly existed in Holland. "The ancient laws of the country ordained
men to be kept on bread alone, un-mixed with salt, as the severest
punishment that could be inflicted upon them in their moist climate.
The effect was horrible: these wretched criminals are said to have been
devoured by worms engendered in their own stomachs."

"The wholesomeness and digestibility of our bread are undoubtedly
much promoted by the addition of the salt which it so universally
receives. A pound of salt is generally added to each bushel of flour.
Hence it may be presumed, that every adult consumes two ounces of salt
per week, or six pounds and a half per annum, in bread alone."

Dr. Paris on Diet.

FRUITS.--These, and of all kinds whether fresh or dried, a delicate
child is better without; except the orange, which when perfectly ripe
may be allowed to any child, but the white or inner skin should be
scrupulously rejected, as it is most indigestible.

A healthy child may be permitted to partake of most fresh fruits. Of
the stone-fruits, the ripe peach, the apricot, and nectarine, are the
most wholesome; but cherries, from the stones being but too frequently
swallowed, had better not be allowed. Apples and pears, when ripe and
well masticated, are not unwholesome; and the apple when baked affords
a pleasant repast, and where there is a costive habit, it is useful as
a laxative. The small-s