drawn out, for the best supply of milk will count for nothing if the
infant cannot nurse comfortably.

Some approved method of toughening the nipples so that they will not
be injured by the sucking efforts of the infant, no matter how
vigorous, should be begun eight weeks before the expected date of
confinement; to start earlier will do no harm, but it is quite
unnecessary. A number of procedures have been advocated, but in my
own experience the following simple method is the best. The nipples
are scrubbed for five minutes, night and morning, with soap and warm
water. Generally, a soft brush, such as a complexion-brush, is
satisfactory; but if this is too harsh, at first a wash cloth may be
used. After having been thoroughly scrubbed the nipples are anointed
with lanolin and covered with a small square of clean, old linen to
prevent soiling of the clothing.

Another method widely used, but somewhat less trustworthy, consists
in bathing the nipples and applying a dilute solution of alcohol.
Formerly brandy, whiskey, or cologne were recommended, but at present
the following solution is commonly used. A tablespoonful of powdered
boric acid is added to three ounces of water and thoroughly mixed.
This is poured into a six-ounce bottle, which is then filled with
grain alcohol (95 per cent). The solution is applied twice a day with
a small piece of absorbent cotton.

Well-formed nipples need only be toughened, but depressed nipples
require additional treatment; and this should be begun about the
middle of pregnancy. The old-fashioned way of making the nipple more
prominent was to cover it with the mouth of a bottle which had
previously been warmed. The vacuum created, as the bottle cooled,