=How to Lose Flesh.=--I have often been asked whether it were possible to have the flesh reduced without in any way affecting the general health. If the person be only slightly heavier than usual, and is in the best of health, it certainly seems wrong to experiment in any way to reduce the weight, especially when this is done only to better follow the dictates of fashion. If, however, the excess of flesh is becoming so great as to be uncomfortable, to interfere with the regular work, or to cause weak action of the heart, etc., then something should be done. There are a few rules which a person may follow to advantage in such cases, although the change should be made gradually. So long as a person continues to gain in flesh, it is positive evidence that more food is being taken than necessary. Therefore the first rule is that the quantity of food should be gradually diminished. The second rule is that exercise should be taken regularly. This will keep up the general health, while it will cause the fat to be more evenly distributed over the body. Another rule is to keep the bowels well open, so that there may be at least two movements daily. For this special purpose the mineral laxative waters are best. =Diet for Reducing the Flesh.=--Fatty foods should be avoided, and so should all drinks in excess. Foods containing sugar or starch should be taken sparingly, as oatmeal, potatoes, rice, cakes, sweetened tea and coffee. Milk is very fattening to many, hence should not be used. The eminent Dr. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, instituted a course of treatment for reducing the weight, which is quite rigid, but nevertheless effective. The regular diet should be changed gradually until it meets Dr. Mitchell's demands. He prescribes outdoor exercise, and a diet of one cupful of milk and one egg every three hours when awake. No other food or drink is allowed for twenty days, when the list of foods is gradually extended. There are a number of anti-fat remedies upon the market, but many of them depend for a cure upon their power to disturb digestion, and thus interfere with the general health. =How to Gain Flesh.=--When it is natural for persons to be thin, it is quite impossible for them to gain in weight under any kind of diet or treatment. Many persons, however, are thin simply because some of the digestive organs do not perform their work properly; or because the diet is not the right kind. Thin persons need good meats and some vegetables. If the digestion is all right, then such meats as mutton, chicken, broiled bacon, broiled ham, etc., may be used; also rare broiled steak, rare roast beef, etc. Eggs may be used in any way except hard-boiled. Good bread, oatmeal, cracked wheat, hominy, etc., are good. Such indigestible foods as pork and veal, thin soups, cabbage, turnips, pickles, pies, and pastries of all kinds should not be used.