THIRSTY BAIRNS.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1195, 21 July 1874, Page 3

THIRSTY BAIRNS.

Children r.re generally thirsty little mortals, r.r.d it is quite an error to suppose thr.t they can do themselves r.ny harm by constant draughts of water during .•:. meal. An idea at one time prevailed that it was bad to drink too much whilst eating; that an excess of fluid dilutod tho gastric juice, and interfered, with digestion, and no less an authority thau that of the great Abernethy was constantly quoted in confirmation of tho theory. Medical science, however, has made some strides since his dr«y; and it is now pretty generally admitted that, so far from being prejudicial to health, a liberal supply of water with food aids digestion, and by diluting the gastric juice renders it more efficieut in the performance of its duties. This is especially the case, too, when there is a great desire to diink, for it is at onco the BXXvasi and the only means by which that kindliest of all housewives, Dame Nature, can make her necessities known. Much temporary cruelty and permanent injury to health may be inflicted by denying young appetites what they crave, or by forcing upon them what is distasteful. If a child has a natural antipathy to fat, we may be pretty sure that it is net good for him; and, on the other hand, if there be a marked predilection for sweets, it is quite wrong utterly to deny them. Ignorant and ; thoughtless guardians of the young are apt to call these instincts "fancies" instead of wisely allowing nature to know best, and only taking care that when what she craves is administered it be wholesome in quality and moderate in quality.