sooner than blondes, and that large women develop more slowly than
women of small stature; city girls develop younger than girls brought
up in the country. Whatever stimulates the emotions causes a premature
development of the sexual organs; as children's parties, late hours,
sensational novels, loose stories, the drama and the ball-room, talk
of beaux, of love and marriage, and children being surrounded with the
atmosphere of riper years. It is generally believed that early
stimulation of the sexual instincts leads to the premature
establishment of puberty, as do also spiced foods and alcoholic
beverages.

First Onset of Menstruation.-- Sometimes the first menstrual discharge
appears suddenly, lasts for a few days, and then stops; it may appear
after an interval of two or three weeks, or not for several months. If
for several months the flow appears at the regular time, and the
quantity is about the same as the first, the menstrual habit may be
said to be established. The mode of onset varies considerably within
the limits of health. So long as the general health remains good, no
anxiety need be felt in regard to the establishment of the menstrual
function.

In other cases there may be a discharge of blood at the first period,
and none afterward for several months; in other words, menstruation
may be established suddenly, intermittently, or gradually. It must be
remembered that certain pathologic conditions cause many disturbances
connected with the onset of puberty.

Psychic Changes at Puberty.-- The angular, gawky feeling gradually
disappears; the girl becomes self-conscious; new impulses arise, and
she gives up many of the hoydenish ways of childhood. The girl's