Certainly not: the thumb is the best gum-stick in the world:--it is convenient; it is handy (in every sense of the word): it is of the right size, and of the proper consistence, neither too hard nor too soft; there is no danger, as of some artificial gum-sticks, of its being swallowed, and thus of its choking the child. The sucking of the thumb causes the salivary glands to pour out their contents, and thus not only to moisten the dry mouth, but assist the digestion; the pressure of the thumb eases, while the teeth are "breeding," the pain and irritation of the gums, and helps, when the teeth are sufficiently advanced, to bring them through the gums. Sucking of the thumb will often make a cross infant contended and happy, and will frequently induce a restless babe to fall into a sweet refreshing sleep. Truly may the thumb be called a baby's comfort. By all means, then, let your child suck his thumb whenever he likes, and as long as he chooses to do so. There is a charming, bewitching little picture of a babe sucking his thumb in Kingsley's _Water Babies_, which I heartily commend to your favourable notice and study. 66. _But if an infant be allowed to suck his thumb, will it not be likely to become a habit, and stick to him for years--until, indeed, he become a big boy_? After he have cut the whole of his first set of teeth, that is to say, when he is about two years and a half old, he might, if it be likely to become a habit, be readily cured by the following method, namely, by making a paste of aloes and water, and smearing it upon his thumb. One or two dressings will suffice as after just tasting the bitter aloes he will take a disgust to his former enjoyment, and the habit will at once be broken. Many persons I know have an objection to children sucking their thumbs, as for instance,-- "Perhaps it's as well to keep children from plums, And from pears in the season, and sucking their thumbs." [Footnote: _Ingoldsby Legends_.] My reply is,-- P'rhaps 'tis as well to keep children from pears; The pain they might cause, is oft follow'd by tears; 'Tis certainly well to keep them from plums; But certainly not from sucking their thumbs! If a babe suck his thumb 'Tis an ease to his gum; A comfort; a boon; a calmer of grief; A friend in his need--affording relief; A solace; a good; a soother of pain; A composer to sleep; a charm; and a gain. 'Tis handy, at once, to his sweet mouth to glide; When done with, drops gently down by his side; 'Tis fix'd, like an anchor, while the babe sleeps. And the mother, with joy, her still vigil keeps. 67. _A child who is teething dribbles, and thereby wets his chest, which frequently causes him to catch cold; what had better be done_?