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57
were struck with the fact that the "junior," i.e., the child aged
7-11, seemed to be more underweight and generally more puny
than his older and younger brother or sister. Where a whole
family were examined, it would be noted that the " infant " or
"senior" would show less evidence of malnutrition than the
intermediate member of the family. Accordingly, out of curiosity,
80 " infants " who had been put on free meals and milk, were
chosen at random and their height and weight averaged out, and
also their average age calculated. It was found that their average
height was 41.6-in. and the correct height for the average age was
41.5-in. There was thus practically no discrepancy. Their average
weight was 38.9-lbs. and the correct weight should have been
40.5-lbs. Their average underweight for height was therefore
1.6-lbs. This was not a very big difference and it bore out what had
been noted, that the entrant is a fairly good specimen on the whole.
It was not possible to get 80 " seniors " who were seniors
when put on the feeding list, but a similar deduction was made
for 47. It was found in these that the average height was 55.1-ins.
and the average weight 70.7-lbs. For their average age they should
have measured 54.7-ins. and weighed 73.9-lbs. There was thus
again very little difference in height but the average underweight
for age was 3.2-lbs.
When for the "juniors" a comparable calculation was made
for 80 chosen at random, it was found that their average height
and weight was 49.3-ins. and 53.7-lbs. For their average age the
correct figures are 51.6-ins. and 63.5-lbs. There is thus a much
greater discrepancy between these figures—the average underweight
being 9.8-lbs. and underheight 2.3-ins. These figures bore
out what we had observed, that the " junior " who comes up to be
examined for free meals is a poorer specimen than his older or younger
brother.
Seeking a reason for this, it is certain that there is no single
factor at work. The fact that no distinction as regards sex was
made, would account in part for the " seniors " showing so little
difference as it is well known that about the age of 12, girls tend to
put on weight. At this period also it is common for boys to earn
a little money for themselves by delivering newspapers, &c. Lack
of rest in "juniors" is probably one of the main contributing causes.
It is found that very frequently the " junior " does not go to bed
any earlier than his " senior " brother, 9-10 o'clock and even later
being a very common answer to an enquiry as to the regular bedtime.
Also " be won't go to bed until his brothers and sisters go,"
is a very usual reply. The " infant " is still considered more or