Maria Arthington

“ Spirits of turpentine, in case of a burn or scald, is a valuable acquisition to a nurse-maid's closet. Its constant application till the fire is extracted, prevents those bad consequences which sometimes arise from neglect, or inefficient means.
[4] In order to induce children to take their food, some persons are apt to say, "Come, my dear, make haste, or brother (or sister) shall have it! no, no, brother! you shall not have it!" Now every expression of this kind will infallibly create selfishness and greediness. A mode of conduct directly opposite should be enforced ”

“ PREFACE. It is with feelings of great humility, from a sense of her own deficiency in the important duties of a mother, that the writer of the following rhymes submits them to the public. Her wish is to convey a few useful hints to nurse-maids, as well as to those mothers who have had but little experience in the care of children.
Many young mothers, more especially in the middle circles of life, have scarcely leisure to make education a study; while others, perhaps, do not reflect on the very great importance of early habits ”

“ The design of the writer is, that each piece shall convey some hint which may tend to the physical or moral advantage of the child, in those duties which immediately devolve upon a mother, and her nurse-maid; so that, while [vi] they are amusing their little ones with the recital of a simple narrative, adapted to the most humble capacity, they may sometimes be pleasantly reminded of their own obligations. ”

“ Note.—Children are sent out into the country for the benefit of fresh air and exercise; but it is impossible to say what evils arise through the thoughtlessness of some nurse-maids, who will even let their helpless babes sit upon the cold grass, in order that they may loiter with their associates. ”

“ In this respect, as in many others, it is much easier to prevent a bad habit, than to cure one. Too much care and tenderness of feeling cannot be used towards those children who have unfortunately imbibed a fear of the dark; yet, on the other hand, judicious care should be exercised, that the habit may not be fostered by over-indulgence.
[34]
NURSE'S REFLECTIONS ON THE ADVANTAGES
OF TRUTH & SINCERITY.
If children are taught the whole lesson of truth,
"'Twill bud in their childhood, and blossom in youth." ”

“ In the first three years of childhood, that basis is often formed upon which the conduct of future life is built. If self-will, and a spirit of contradiction, be allowed to take deep root in the infant mind, Divine Grace only can counteract their evils. ”

“ Note. What a privilege those children enjoy who are allowed to take their meals with their parents! Many children are really brought up in habits of daintiness and gluttony, through the mistaken kindness of nurses, who are not aware that they are laying the foundation for future misery. And who is more miserable than the epicure? surrounded by the blessings of a bountiful Giver,—and yet dissatisfied with all! Surely poverty, with thankfulness, is not half so wretched a condition!
[26]
TAKING MEDICINE. ”

“ Note. The practice of giving children sweet things, such as comfits and lozenges, cannot be too much reprobated. They fill children with ill-humors, by impairing digestion; they disorder the bowels, by producing an unnatural fermentation; they prevent the relish and enjoyment of plain food, and create in the little sufferer a continual craving for indulgencies. A little dried fruit, on proper occasions, is not unwholesome.
NURSE TELLING HARRY A TALE,
ABOUT CATCHING FLIES.
Now, Harry, I've a tale to tell,
So sit upon this chair;
It is of what one day befell
A little maid so fair. ”

“ N. B.—A little publication, entitled "Hints for the Improvement of Early Education," the writer recommends to the increased attention of every conscientious mother.—These rhymes make but very humble pretensions, and are likewise much limited, from various considerations; so that many of the more important subjects of education could not be touched upon.
[24]
WARM FEET.
Harry looks so sick and ill,
Harry is so cold and chill,
Nurse does almost think, and fear,
Something's the matter with her dear. ”

“ The writer has been told that one species of the buttercup is poisonous: and there are many flowers which it would be hurtful for children to suck.
[2] The writer was recommended to try a piece of leather, and has found it to produce less irritation than any of the hard substances so often used. Some mothers prefer Indian-rubber. ”

“ Frontispiece. to "Rhymes for Harry and his Nurse-Maid".
Nursery Furniture. pa 21.
A simple tale will oft prevail,
When sober prose is spurn'd;
The charm of rhyme beguiles the time,
And still a lesson's learn'd.
[ii]
RHYMES
FOR
HARRY
AND
HIS NURSE-MAID.
A simple tale will oft prevail,
When sober prose is spurn'd;
The charm of rhyme beguiles the time,
And still a lesson's learn'd.
Thus lines for youth, in simple truth,
We never will despise ”