MOREOVER yet, besides all these Things, the tender _Care_, as well as the _Love_ and _Affection_ of the MOTHER to her own CHILD, by far surpasses that of any _mercenary NURSE_ whatsoever. Wherefore the MOTHER, tho’ perhaps not the best _NURSE_ in other respects, is always preferable to a _STRANGER_: Which if People of _Probity_ and _Honour_ would more observe, I sincerely believe that there would not be so many graceless, disobedient, and undutiful _CHILDREN_ of our Age. I do not think what I have read of _Scipio Africanus_ to be any singular _Instance_; namely, that He esteemed _Her_ more for his MOTHER, who nursed him two Years after his _Birth_, than HER who brought him forth, and then forsook him in the World. Agreeable to which, and most _à propos_, was the Answer of the Philosopher, _Favorinus_[184], to the MOTHER of a certain _Noble-woman_ in _CHILD-BED_, who was dissuading her _Daughter_ to _nurse_ the _CHILD_ she had born; _viz._ _I entreat thee Woman_ (says he) _suffer her to be the whole and entire Mother of her own Son_. And verily, SHE only can be properly so called, who carefully _nurses_ as well as _brings forth_ her own _CHILDREN_. Hence it is that the _Earth_ is called the MOTHER of all Things, not so much because she produces all Things, as because she _maintains_ and _nurses_ what she produces. ALL which, notwithstanding, there is sometimes a _Necessity_ (on account of sundry Reasons) to provide another _NURSE_ for the _CHILD_; wherefore I come now briefly to describe the most proper _Person_ for this _TRUST_, and to set forth the _Qualities_ of the most convenient _MILK_, for the wholesome Nourishment of the INFANT. FIRST then, the _NURSE_ ought to be a Woman between the 20th and 35th _Year of her Age_, perfectly graced with the _Blessings_ and _Ornaments_ of _Nature_; and a Person of _Probity_ and _Reputation_ in her _Rank_, endued with _Love_, _Pity_, and _Tender-heartedness_: As she also ought to be _sound_ and _healthy_, of a good _Habit_ and _Disposition_ of Body and Mind, of a sanguine _Complexion_, and rosy _Colour_; of a _middle Stature_, having black or brown _Hair_, a _lively Eye_, _sweet Breath_, sound and white _Teeth_, with an agreeable chearful _Countenance_. In short, she ought also to be a _well-mannered_, _modest_, and _sober Person_, having middle-sized, well shaped, not flabby nor hanging down, but solid fleshy BREASTS, with elegant, firm, and well perforated _Nipples_. SECONDLY, As to her _MILK_, it ought neither to be too _new_, nor too _old_; but at any time from the _Puerperial Flux_, until the 6th or 8th Month thereafter, it is not to be rejected; especially if it be of a good _Consistence_, neither too _thick_ nor too _thin_, of a pure _white Colour_, an agreeable pleasant _Smell_, and a perfect sweet _Taste_.