895. _Mush Poultice._--Mush poultices are sometimes ordered; this constitutes an invaluable application in cases of violent pain in the stomach and bowels, such as colic, cramp, &c. It is made by simply boiling the corn-meal until it attains the proper consistency. It must be spread on a cloth, and applied as warm as can be endured. We have known the most inveterate cases relieved by it in fifteen minutes.--_Shore._ FOOD FOR THE SICK AND FOR CHILDREN. 896. A few rules, the reasons for which may be found in the Introductory Remarks of "Mrs. Hale's New Cook Book," will be of some advantage here:-- First. Select those substances that are the most soluble--that are readily converted into chyle by the _gastric juice_. Second. Those that experience has shown to be the most nutritious. Third. Those that contain the least amount of stimulus. Fourth. These to be given in quantity and frequency proportioned to the general strength or debility of the patient. By careful observation, the feelings of the invalid will be found to furnish the most unequivocal evidence of the truth of the foregoing principles--any deviation from which will soon be attended with symptoms more or less unpleasant. 897. _Arrow-root_--Contains, in small bulk, a greater proportion of nourishment than any other farinaceous substance yet known. Take of arrow-root, one table-spoonful; sweet milk, half a pint; boiling-water, half a pint: boil these together for a few moments. 898. _Arrow-root Jelly._--Take one spoonful of arrow-root, and cold water sufficient to form a paste; add one pint of boiling water: stir it briskly, and boil it a few minutes, when it will become a smooth, clear jelly. A little sugar and sherry wine may be added, for debilitated patients; but for infants, a drop or two of the essence of caraway-seed or cinnamon is preferable, wine being very apt to become acid in the stomach of infants, and thus disagree with the bowels. 899. _Sago._--Take two table-spoonfuls of sago, and one pint of boiling water; stir together, and boil gently, until it thickens. Wine, sugar, and nutmeg may be added, according to circumstances. 900. _Boiled Flour._--Take of fine flour, one pound; tie it up in a linen cloth as tight as possible, and, after frequently dipping it in cold water, dredge the outside with flour, till a crust is formed round it, which will prevent the water soaking into it while boiling. It is then to be boiled until it becomes a hard, dry mass. Two or three spoonfuls of this may be grated, and prepared in the same manner as arrow-root, for which it forms an excellent substitute, and can be obtained in the country, where, perhaps, the other cannot.