In keeping the Fourth one year not long ago, one hundred and
seventy-one children lost one or more fingers; forty-one lost a leg,
an arm, or a hand; thirty-six lost one eye, and sixteen lost both
eyes; and two hundred and fifteen children were killed! This accounts
for only the children; counting everybody, five thousand three hundred
and seven people were killed or hurt. No wonder we begin to think that
we ought to keep the Fourth in some other way.

In the City of Washington, on one Fourth of July, one hundred and four
people were taken to the hospital; but the following year when no
fireworks were allowed to be sold, the hospitals did not have a single
patient from the accidents of the day.

[Illustration: A RESULT OF CELEBRATING THE FOURTH IN THE OLD WAY]

Water, as well as fire, has its dangers. If you ever fall into the
water, _be sure to keep your mouth shut and your hands below your
chin_. Then paddle with your hands gently, and you'll swim, just as
any other young animal does when first thrown into the water. Even
your cat, who hates water, can swim easily when she falls in. If you
keep your wits as she does, you will get along as well. Some people
learn to swim just by trying by themselves.

[Illustration: WORKING TO START HIS BREATHING AGAIN]

If anyone in your party, when you are out boating or swimming, should
be nearly drowned, the best way to revive him is to lay him, as
quickly as possible, flat on his face on level ground, just turning
his head a little to one side so that his nose and mouth will not be
blocked. Then, kneeling astride of his legs, put both your hands on