The morning tub is a bath that people in ordinary health should take
every morning. It is not only invigorating but it so tones the skin and
nerves as to render catching cold all but impossible. A far better
tonic for those who can bear it, is the shower bath.
A cheaper sort of Shower Bath is that represented underneath. (Plate
NINE.)
From a recent Magazine Article of ours, we cull the following hints
which may be found of use. In speaking of House Baths we say:--
1.--Then you must consult your own feelings as to whether or not you
ought to continue the bath through the livelong winter. We should say,
"Try to do so."
2.--Let the first spongeful of cold water be applied to the head and
shoulders and adown the spine.
3.--If you feel too much exhausted in the morning for a cold bath, from
having been up late, raise the temperature of the cold bath several
degrees.
4.--Be guided by your own feelings as to the temperature of hot and cold
water. From 32 to 60 degrees would be right for the cold bath, and
about 90 degrees for the water in the basin.
5--A cold bath may be taken with advantage when the body is heated, from
whatever cause, so long as there is no exhaustion or fatigue; but never
go into the water if there be the slightest feeling of chilliness, nor
after a full meal.
Plate Twelve represents a useful kind of bed bath which has been a
source of comfort to many an invalid. (All these baths are manufactured
by Messrs. Allen and Son.)
In bathing at home, after lathering the whole body with warm water and
soap, a cold sponge bath containing a handful or two of either Tidman's
or Brill's Sea Salt will be found very invigorating.
We have before us a splendidly got up work entitled "Luxurious Bathing,"
published by Messrs. Field and Tuer, Leadenhall Street, E.C. The book
is beyond praise, its well-executed etchings entitle it to a place on
the drawing-room table, and its advice to those who value health, is
simply invaluable.
Those who suffer from weakness, or who dread the winter's cold, would do
well to combine a course of bathing, with one of tonics and cod liver
oil. De Jongh's light brown is the only oil we ever use.
Those who wish to regain health in a month, "by the sad sea waves,"
cannot err by taking the following rules as a guide. They are from a
Magazine article of ours:--
_Simple Rules for Seaside Enjoyment_.
1.--Before leaving home, study your trains, pack trunks the day before,
don't forget anything, and avoid hurry and excitement.
2.--Look for rooms quietly, in a clean, quiet street or suburb, and see
that the rooms are clean and airy.
3.--Rise early every morning, soap down and tub from head to heel, eat a
biscuit, and go for a walk.
4.--Regular hours, regular exercise, regular meals, and regular medicine
(if you need it).
6.--Enjoy yourself all you can, but 'ware excitement and fatigue.
6.--Strong men may bathe before breakfast, but the best average time is
about three hours after breakfast.
7.--Walk at a moderate pace to the bathing ground, so as to be neither
too hot nor too cold, and undress as speedily as possible.
8.--It is better to plunge at once into deep water; don't unless you can
swim, however, but after bending down and laving the face and both arms,
drop right underneath the first wavelet.
9.--If you can swim, swim and nothing else; if you cannot, you can at
least tumble about and keep moving, and also rub your limbs with the
hands.
10.--Come out before you have actually ceased to enjoy yourself.
11.--It is better to have your own towel, one at least, and let it be
moderately rough.
12.--Rub your face, shoulders, limbs, and body, using moderate friction,
and finish drying with a smoother towel.
13.--When quite dry, dress, and it ought not to be at all necessary to
dress quickly.
11.--If faintness or sickness comes on, which must be looked upon as
quite an accident, lie down for a few minutes.
15.--After dressing, a brisk walk should be taken; and now a lunch
biscuit will do you service.
16.--Remember that the glow after the bath is the grand event to be
looked for.
17.--If instead of this glow a decided chill takes place, and is not
removed by a brisk walk, a small drop of brandy taken along with a
biscuit becomes a necessity, or for ladies a glass of some cordial.
18.--If you are an invalid, try to forget it; if a Hercules or a Webb,
forget that.
19.--Don't forget flannel under-clothing if at all delicate.
There are various other kinds of baths which we have not mentioned, but
trust we have said enough to prove that the baths in some form--and more
especially the Turkish--should be taken constantly by all who value good
health and hope for longevity.