A practical cook and text book for general use

Investigation by the writer has failed to discover any manufactured food for infants sufficiently nourishing without milk. There are several reliable cereal foods for infants, and "bromose," a recent product from nuts and •cereals is recommended. As these artificial preparations require cow's milk to perfect them, and in view of the enormous death rate among children, it would seem the part of a wise economy to glean from the fat of the land ; some natural food for the sustenance of the much abused infant population. Could this be accomplished, it would mean life and health to millions of infants. The producer -of such a product would reap the rich reward of a nation's gratitude and the benediction of every mother who cannot nurse her babe. The mild fruit juices are acceptable to infants, and oat meal, wheat or other gruel, well cooked and strained, would with fruit juice or the juice of nuts be far more -desirable than milk and less liable to prove disastrous. Infants artificially fed require no seasonings of any sort; if " brought up " in that way food would be relished just ; as well as if seasoned. An article unpalatable to the child would be instantly discarded ; but if it be seasoned to ;;iteach the appetite for it, the first step has been taken toward perverting a natural instinct, unless the unnatural has been born in them." (See page 153 on Substitutes - for Milk.) Infants are young animals and require regular feeding, as little "fussing" over as possible, quiet and sleep at least two-thirds of the time until three or four months of age. Do not overfeed them. Nature's method of disposing of surplus food is not a "sign of a healthy child," but rather the lack of proper care on the part of the mother or nurse. Do not take a very young infant to the table and give it a taste of anything thereon. Potatoes, white bread and crackers or other starchy food should not be fed to young children, and yet these are often the regular diet. Banish everything from the nursery made of white rubber, as it is poisonous. When babies require something to assist in the "coming " of teeth, take some Graham meal or entire wheat flour and mix it with cold water about as' stiff as possible; knead and cut in the form of biscuit or rings three-fourths of an inch thick ; bake until thoroughly done hard all through ; one of these will give sufficient exercise for some time and assist in making beautiful teeth. Fruit juices may be added to the regular dietary of a child three or four months of age, and the juices of the mild, sun-ripened vegetables a little later. Bread made of the entire wheat should be the rule and fine flour preparations banished from the children's table. Feeding young children, properly or improperly, exerts an influence over their future life. Nature's processes are alike, whether the home blossoms are born to poverty or wealth. The new babe introduced amid the most uncanny surroundings may be just as dear to its mother as is the babe surrounded with all the luxu- lories of wealth, yet each may fall victims to the ignorance .that leads to disease and early death. THE UNRECOGNIZED PITFALLS BY THE WAYSIDE OF LIFE.