It ought to be borne in mind, that the bowels of a child are larger in proportion than those of an adult. But, if they be actually larger than they ought to be, let them be well rubbed for a quarter of an hour at a time night and morning, with soap liniment, and then apply a broad flannel belt. "A broad flannel belt worn night and day, firm but not tight, is very serviceable." [Footnote: Sir Charles Locock, in a _Letter_ to the Author.] The child ought to be prevented from drinking as much as he has been in the habit of doing; let him be encouraged to exercise himself well in the open air; and let strict regard be paid to his diet. 249. _What are the best aperients for a child_? If it be _actually_ necessary to give him opening medicine, one or two tea-spoonfuls of Syrup of Senna, repeated, if necessary, in four hours, will generally answer the purpose; or, for a change, one or two tea-spoonfuls of Castor Oil may be substituted. Lenitive Electuary (Compound Confection of Senna) is another excellent aperient for the young, it being mild in its operation, and pleasant to take; a child fancying it is nothing more than jam, and which it much resembles both in appearance and in taste. The dose is half or one tea-spoonful early in the morning occasionally. Senna is an admirable aperient for a child, and is a safe one, which is more than can be said of many others. It is worthy of note that "the taste of Senna may be concealed by sweeting the infusion, [Footnote: Infusion of Senna may be procured of any respectable druggist. It will take about one or two table-spoonfuls, or even more, of the infusion (according to the age of the child, and the obstinacy of the bowels), to act as an aperient. Of course, you yourself will be able, from time to time, as the need arises, to add the milk and the sugar, and thus to make it palatable. It ought to be given warm, so as the more to resemble tea.] adding milk, and drinking as ordinary tea, which, when thus prepared, it much resembles" [Footnote: _Waring's Manual of Practical Therapeutics._] Honey, too, is a nice aperient for a child--a tea-spoonful ought to be given either by itself, or spread on a slice of bread. Some mothers are in the habit of giving their children jalap gingerbread. I do not approve of it, as jalap is a drastic, griping purgative; besides, jalap is very nasty to take--nothing will make it palatable.