Clothing, like food, should be considered first of all in its relation to the possible increase of health and efficiency. Like the function of food, this is too much lost sight of at the present time while the aesthetic side of the subject is receiving an undue share of emphasis. The cost of clothing is too largely the result of an attempt to gratify the desire to please the world at large, rather than of protecting the body. We all know too many instances of the rashest excesses to which this may lead, destroying all hope of realizing higher and worthier ideals. A safe-guard to such excess lies in an intelligent training and thoughtful study of these things.

Sufficient and suitable protection from clothing, so that one is enabled to meet the varying changes of climate without loss of energy, is a distinct advantage, offering grounds for reasonable expenditure. This should debar either too scant provision, or too great excess, which weakens power of resistance. The aesthetic has a legitimate place in the consideration, but should be subordinate to health, if the two ever seem to conflict. There is, as we know, the greatest possible difference in people in ability to "make a little go a long way" in providing satisfactorily for clothing. Knowledge and care will aid greatly in helping one to conform to the laws both of health and beauty. A pleasing, becoming color or style is little, if any, more expensive than one which is unbecoming. One should seek to develop true individual taste and expression, relying less upon the not infallible dictum of dress-makers. To secure clothing, then, which shall be a protection from heat and cold should be the first motive. Along with this should go a recognition that the outer garments may be and should be a means of contributing to the pleasure of others, through a correct selection of pleasing colors and graceful forms. Both these may be entirely legitimate considerations, but there should not result, from over emphasis, a dwarfing of the more important things in life.