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79
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 in increasing numbers 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.
Owing to reasons mentioned above, but little clothing
was found to be in dirty state. 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.
Footgear.—In judging of the boots, capability of
keeping the foot dry and suitability for the growing foot
were the two chief features looked for. 22 per cent. were
thought to be markedly deficient in these requirements.
Numbers of children undoubtedly suffer from damp feet in
wet weather, and are predisposed thereby to colds, bronchitis,
and the more serious disease, rheumatism. In 1.4 per
cent. the state of the footgear was thought to exert a
markedly injurious effect on the child's health, and notices
were sent to the parent.
Verminous Conditions.— Careful attention was directed
to the presence of vermin in the hair. .23 per cent. of the
girls were found to be actually infected with lice. 23.78 per
cent. of the girls and 1.21 per cent. of the boys were found
to have been recently infected, as shown by the presence of
the eggs or "ova" on the hairs. Dealing first with the
boys, the condition is usually a temporary one, due to
infection from a sister or playmate. The problem does not
lie here, but with the girls. There are still many bad cases
met with of neglect in this respect. Not a few children are