This
should be done every morning of the child's life.
If such a child is at the sea-side, advantage should be taken of this
circumstance, and seabathing should be substituted. The best time is
two or three hours after breakfast; but he must not be fatigued
beforehand, for if so, the cold bath cannot be used without danger.
Care must be taken that he does not remain in too long, as the animal
heat will be lowered below the proper degree, which would be most
injurious. In boys of a feeble constitution, great mischief is often
produced in this way. It is a matter also of great consequence in
bathing children that they should not be terrified by the immersion,
and every precaution should be taken to prevent this. The healthy and
robust boy, too, should early be taught to swim, whenever this is
practicable, for it is attended with the most beneficial effects; it is
a most invigorating exercise, and the cold bath thus becomes doubly
serviceable.
PLAN TO BE PURSUED WITH THE DELICATE AND STRUMOUS.--If a child is of a
delicate and strumous constitution, the cold bath during the summer
is one of the best tonics that can be employed; and if living on the
coast, sea-bathing will be found of singular benefit. The effects,
however, of sea-bathing upon such a constitution must be particularly
watched, for unless it is succeeded by a glow,--a feeling of increased
strength,--and a keen appetite, it will do no good, and ought at once
to be abandoned for the warm or tepid bath.
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