Evasive replies with the intent of staving off the dreaded explanation do no good and may result in unexpected evil. By securing the child's confidence at the start, one may not only keep informed of his actions but protect him from seeking or even listening to bad counsels. At the age of ten or twelve it is well that the family physician or parent should give instruction as to the special harm which results from unnaturally exciting the sexual nature by handling and stimulating the sexual organs and also warning the child against filthy literature and improper companions. At the age of puberty he should be warned against the moral and physical dangers of sexual intercourse with lewd women. The physical dangers refer to the great possibility of infection with one or both of the common diseases--syphilis and gonorrhea--acquired by sexual contact with one suffering from these terrible disorders (p. 199). It is usually quite impossible for a layman to detect the presence of these diseases in others, or rather, to be sure of their absence, and the permanent damage which may be wrought to the sufferer and to others with whom he may have sexual relations is incalculable. It is generally known that syphilis is a disease to be dreaded, but not perhaps that it not only endangers the life and happiness of the patient, but the future generation of his descendants. Gonorrhea--the much more common disease--while often treated lightly by youth, frequently leads to long, chronic, local disease and may even result fatally in death; later in life it may cause infection of a wife resulting in chronic invalidism and necessitating surgical removal of her maternal organs. These possibilities often occur long after the patient thinks he is wholly free from the disease. Gonorrhea in women is the most frequent cause of their sterility, and also is a common source of abortion and premature birth. It is the cause in most cases of blindness in infants (p. 205) and also of vulvo-vaginitis in girl babies. Furthermore, gonorrhea is so alarmingly prevalent that it is stated on good authority that the disease occurs in eighty per cent of all males some time during their lives. The disease is not confined to prostitutes, but is common, much more frequently than is suspected, in all walks and classes of life and at all ages. Even among boys attending boarding schools and similar institutions the disease is only too frequent. It is particularly important that the true situation be explained to boys about to enter college or a business career, for it is at this period of life that their temptations become greatest. Alcohol is the most dangerous foe--next to bad companions--with which they must contend in this matter, for, weakened by its influence and associated with persuasive friends, their will gives way and the advice and warning, which they may have received, are forgotten. Idleness is also another influential factor in