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Then speak very plainly of the offensive condition of an unwashed body, the smell of the feet, the horrible state of the hair, the decay and pain in the teeth, &c.; the consequent poisoning of the air of the room, &c. It is the human body that pollutes the air.
Then, how and when the body can best be washed; large vessels and much water not indispensable for daily cleansing. But there are great advantages in the Saturday's tub and plenty of soaping, and in friction of the skin. Not babies only, but men and women require daily washing. The body the source of defilement of the air.
The entire want of privacy in the bedrooms, the constant drive of the mother's occupations, make it a matter of difficulty when she can wash herself. [As a matter of fact, most women do not wash at all.] The Missioners should show the utmost sympathy—should, without giving offence, draw her out by careful questions, asking what plan the women would recommend rather than what they do.
Then comes the question of towels.
Then comes the question of hair and hair-brushes. Mothers should encourage their girls' natural wish to look nice, make them proud of beautifully brushed and well-plaited hair, rather than of the smart hat above it.
Then comes the question of tooth-brushes. [How often does it happen that the lady's own underservants come to her service without a tooth-brush?]
The Missioner should be able to give the price of each article she recommends—towels, hair-brushes, tooth-brushes, &c.
