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16
Incidentally, I would draw attention to the relative
number of births in each of the groups set out above.

The ignorance of many mothers as to an average healthy
infant's requirements is undoubtedly answerable for much
needless suffering, and if it could be overcome, the problem
of lowering the rate of infantile mortality would be in a great
measure solved. This ignorance is not limited to one section
of the community, but the time and opportunities amongst the
poor for gaining knowledge are far less, and they are seldom
in a position to devote the same amount of care and attention
to their children, even when they have the means to buy the
requisite food and clothing, and to house their children under
suitable conditions.
Any general improvement in the conditions of employment,
such as would obviate the necessity for married women
working away from their homes, can only be brought about by
slow degrees, and even then much must depend on the thrift
and industry of the individual worker. In the meantime
much may be done to remedy defective knowledge, firstly at
the schools by instruction in the practice and principles of personal
hygiene, and secondly by teaching the mothers at their
homes and by lectures given at Mother's Meetings and other
gatherings. Instruction in hygiene is already being given in