The next important feature of the first bath is that it should be done in the quickest time consistent with efficient service. Only the necessary exposure should be indulged in. It is not necessary that the baby should be exposed to the admiring inspection of every member of the household--there will be plenty of time for that without risking the health of the child. A pan of water at a temperature of 100 deg. F. should be placed on a stool in front of the nurse. The nurse should have on a rubber apron, and on top of this, an ordinary apron and a warm bath towel laid over her knees. The child should be gently rubbed with warm sweet oil to remove the _vernix caseosa_ (the greasy substance which is on all babies when born to a lesser or greater extent). Particular attention is to be given to all folds of the skin, as under the arms, in the fold of the neck, in the groin, behind the ears, etc., because in these parts the substance is thickest and if not carefully removed it will cake, and cause painful eruptions and sores, which may bleed and render the infant extremely uncomfortable. It is not necessary to expose the whole body at one time while applying the oil. The lower half may be covered with a warm soft towel while the nurse is oiling the upper part, and vice versa. After the body has been thoroughly oiled it should be cleansed with water at the proper temperature, in which pure castile soap has been dissolved. Absorbent cotton only should be used to wash the baby. All the washing is done with the baby on the nurse's knee; it is not put into the water. The baby should be mopped dry with sterile gauze, or with a soft sterile towel, the cord dressed and the flannel band adjusted. It should then be completely dressed and put to the nipple and later to sleep. DRESSING THE CORD.--The cord should be covered with powder and sterile gauze. The powder to use should be plain subnitrate of bismuth. If there is any reason to use another powder the physician will write a prescription for it according to indications. The subnitrate of bismuth will be found much better than any ordinary talcum or toilet powder, many of which do not make good dressing powders.