No: he is frequently so frightened by it that the alarm would do him more harm than the bathing would do him good. The better plan would be to have him every morning well sponged, especially his back and loins, with sea water; and to have him as much as possible carried on the beach, in order that he may inhale the sea breezes. When he be older, and is not frightened at being dipped, sea bathing will be very beneficial to him. If bathing is to do good, either to an adult or to a child, it must be anticipated with pleasure, and neither with dread nor with distaste. 256. _What is the best method for administering medicine to a child_? If he be old enough, appeal to his reason; for, if a mother endeavour to deceive her child, and he detect her, he will for the future suspect her. If he be too young to be reasoned with, then, if he will not take his medicine, he must be compelled. Lay him across your knees, let both his hands and his nose be tightly held, and then, by means of the patent medicine-spoon, or, if that be not at hand, by either a tea or a dessert-spoon, pour the medicine down his throat, and he will be obliged to swallow it. It may be said that this is a cruel procedure; but it is the only way to compel an unruly child to take physic, and is much less cruel than running the risk of his dying from the medicine not having been administered. [Footnote: If any of my medical brethren should perchance read these Conversations, I respectfully and earnestly recommend them to take more pains in making medicines for children pleasant and palatable. I am convinced that, in the generality of instances, provided a little more care and thought were bestowed on the subject, it may be done; and what an amount of both trouble and annoyance it would save! It is really painful to witness the struggles and cries of a child when _nauseous_ medicine is to be given; the passion and excitement often do more harm than the medicine does good.] 257. _Ought a sick child to be roused from his sleep to give him physic, when it is time for him to take it_? On no account, as sleep, being a natural restorative, must not be interfered with. A mother cannot be too particular in administering the medicine, at stated periods, whilst he is awake. 258. _Have you any remarks to make on the management of a sick-room, and have you any directions to give on the nursing of a child_?