HOW TO TAKE A BATH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 417, 16 December 1874, Page 3

HOW TO TAKE A BATH.

{To the Editm.

Sir, — Compkintß are often made in tbis district of the want of a good river to bathe in. 'Tis true there is a muddy pool in the Government paddock, but the trouble and exertion of going there and returning, more than counterbalance any advantage to be derived in its turbid depths, or rather shallows. After all, river bathing is generally on! v available for the robustf ew of the male sex, and for them only when the weather is favorable. Allow me, therefore, to say a few in recommendation of a bath suitable alike for young and old, man, woman, and child, for winter and summer, for wet weather and fine weather ; a bath which is pleasant while it is economical, and can be indulged in by the digger in his tent, or in any bedroom, liowever email. I refer to the sponge-bath ; and the apparatus I recommend is a shallow Minted sine bath ; iij should bp circular, about

1 three feet across and six inches deep. With this, a bucket of water, a basin, and a honeycomb sponge (which holds water best) as large as the two fists, the outfit is complete. The bather should not put any water in the bath, but he should fill the basin and place it in the bath, then wash the hands, face, head, neck, and arms. He should then place tho basin ou the floor, and sit down in the centre of the bath, his feet on the floor outside, and then for one or two minutes briskly squeeze the water dyer his back, chest, and body. He may then stand up in the bath, rapidly sponge the feet and legs, and rub himself thoroughly dry, using rough towels. The above is a very simple operation, takes little time, and isverj' refreshing. A great many people are deterred from taking a bath as often as they should, by the idea of the trouble they think attends it. They fancy three or four buckets of water must be carried in and carried out afterwards, and I know some grown-up people who cannot even wash their face and handswithout spilling and splashing the water in all directions. But with a little care, the sponge bath, as above described, can bo taken in a tent, as I know by experience. When first I came to Tuapeka, I could not get such a thing as a spongo bath in the place, so I bought a largo cask, cut it round six inches from the top, and made a shallow tub of it, which I have used evei since ; the other part I utilise as a water barrel. I mention these facts to show that it is in the power of every one to have a bath every morning throughout the year, even with a limited supply of water. A great deal can be said in favor of the showerbath, which is very refreshing in the hot weather, and a swim in tho sea or a river is very enjoyable, but these are luxuries not attainable by all. In my remarks above, I have only referred to bathing as being pleasant and refreshing ; but when it is considered that personal cleanliness is equally important with good drainage and other sanitary measures for the preservation of health, it will be seen that a sponge bath taken every morning is an important duty which ought not to be neglected by anyone. — I am, &c, Sanitas.