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117
well-clothed child. In four cases the clothing was of such a
nature as to be very injurious to the child's health, and
notice was sent to the parents,. The principal defects in
children's clothing noted were :—
(a) Substitution of Flannelette for the very necessary
Flannel or Wool.—The flannelette, although cheaper to buy,
is not really economical, as it wears away rapidly. It has
also the disadvantage of being inflammable, and, worst of all,
it has little capacity for retaining the heat of the body.
(b) Unequal Distribution of the Clothing over the Body.
—This was specially noticed in many girls ; the upper part of
the body being well clothed, but the lower extremities being
only clothed in flannelette or cotton with stockings. Many
parents do not realise that the short petticoats worn by school
girls are of little value in warming the body. It is satisfactory
to note that an increasing number of girls are
wearing woollen combinations, together with flannel
"bloomers." This is the most suitable underclothing for a
growing girl.
(c) The too early use of Corsets.—These are considered
harmful to young girls by most authorities. There is no
reason except custom for their presence.
The clothing was generally found to be in good repair,
but occasionally an unfortunate child was found to be pinned
u;., buttons being conspicuous by their absence.
Owing to reasons mentioned above, but little clothing
was found to be in dirty state. Actual body vermin were
found on four children. Occasionally the marks of vermin
bites were detected although the clothing revealed no
evidence of vermin. A subsequent unexpected visit to the
school, however, showed vermin to be present.