Even the state of the digestive organs at different periods of life is sufficient to indicate a corresponding modification of diet to be proper for each. In early infancy, when no teeth exist, and the muscles which move the jaws are still comparatively small and powerless, and mastication is consequently impossible, milk, from the mother’s breast, is manifestly the only food intended by Nature for its use; and, so long as it can be obtained of healthy quality and in sufficient quantity, no other ought to be substituted in its place. After the milk-teeth have made their appearance, but not till then, a little admixture may be permitted, and gradually and cautiously increased in proportion as dentition advances, and the stomach becomes fitted to digest other food. If, however, the appearance of the teeth be retarded by inability in the mother to furnish an adequate supply of sustenance (which sometimes happens), the deficiency must be made up either by providing a nurse of a healthy constitution, or by other means to be presently mentioned. The former is the preferable remedy; but where a nurse cannot be procured, and the mother’s milk is scanty, the child may, after the third or fourth month, receive, at proper intervals, a small allowance of cow’s milk, diluted with one-third of water, and slightly sweetened. This makes the nearest approach to the nature of the mother’s milk, and is therefore more suitable than any preparation of milk and flour or arrow-root that can be given. Ass or goat-milk answers still better. The appearance of the first teeth is an indication that the digestive organs have become sufficiently developed to admit of small portions of barley-water panada, thin arrow-root, or milk and water, being given two or three times daily in addition to the nourishment drawn from the mother’s breast, if the latter be at all deficient. Great care must be taken, however, neither to exceed in quantity, nor to give the food too rapidly; for otherwise the stomach will become too full, and be weakened by the efforts it is obliged to make. I have already pointed out the importance of attending to this rule; and in accordance with it, Nature by arranging that the milk shall flow only by slow degrees, has taken care that, in suckling, the child shall receive its food very gradually. The very appearance of the teeth indicates a preparation of the digestive functions for more substantial aliment; and by beginning cautiously the use of small quantities of such simple articles as those above named, and gradually increasing them according to the wants of the system, an excellent preparation is made for the process of weaning, which would otherwise, by its suddenness, be attended with serious risk to both parent and child.