William Acton, M. R. C. S., an English physician, eminent in his profession, says: “True continence is complete control over the passions, exercised by one who has felt their power, and who, were it not for his steady will, not only could but would indulge them. * * * Granted, that continence is a _trial_, a sore trial, a bitter trial, if you will, what, I would ask, is the use or object of a trial but to try, to test, to elicit, strengthen and brace whatever of sterling, whatever of valuable, there is in the thing tried? To yield at once, is this the right way to meet a trial? To lay down one’s arms at the first threatening of conflict, is this a _creditable_ escape from trial, to say no more? Nay, is it _safe_, when the trial is imposed by the highest possible authority? Our object ought to be to preserve a pure and healthy mind in a pure and healthy body. Judiciously directed, training and exercise of _both_ toward this definite object would, I am sure, in most cases, reduce the difficulty of living a chaste life to the minimum, and indeed render the conflict rather a proud and thankful sense of self-command than an arduous struggle. * * * The man who can command even his thoughts will have an easier task in keeping himself continent than he who cannot. He has great power who, when physical temptations assail him can determinedly apply his mind to other subjects, and employ the whole force of his will in turning away from the danger.” Carpenter, in a late edition of his work, says to those who urge the wants of nature as an excuse for the illicit gratification of the sexual passion: “Try the effects of close mental application to some ennobling pursuit, in combination with vigorous bodily exercise, before you assert that the appetite is unrestrainable, and act upon that assertion.” To parents desiring the best interests of offspring, these quotations from men of known scientific and professional reputation are worthy of careful thought. Lives based upon these truths will make motherhood desired, and offspring a blessing. To secure the best possible conditions for maternity, a lady should never lose sight of the value of congenial, absorbing occupation. There should be no leisure to foster morbid symptoms. Having neither financial need nor desire for following a special vocation, the systematic pursuit of some study, as geology, natural history or botany, will make conditions for satisfactory pre-natal culture. Who knows but by throwing her whole soul into the search, and thus being carried out of herself by these ennobling pursuits, she may become the mother of a Humboldt, an Agassiz or an Audubon.