perspiration from injuring the dress, but by preventing evaporation they allow the underclothes to become soaking wet and cling to this part of the body, which is very sensitive to cold; thus they frequently give rise to chills, besides which they probably permit some reabsorption of poisonous matters.1[1] That this is so is indicated by the fact that heat and feverish restlessness quickly follow the use of a close waterproof dress by sportsmen and others. Hence waterproofs should only be worn when it is absolutely raining, and be taken off when the shower is over. The circular waterproofs, which do not fit closely, are very good, and also those with loose sleeves or with a ventilating arrangement under a cape. They should be as light and thin as possible, so as to be easily portable and not warm enough for a chill to ensue on their being taken off. Every means for ventilating them should be adopted.
In this connection, it is most satisfactory to learn that by being subjected to a process called "Warnerizing"—a process discovered by an American lady named Warner—all kinds of articles of dress, from tweeds and cloths to silk hats, velvet, and lace, may be made "water repellent," so that
- ↑ 1 The best plan to preserve dresses under the arms is to tack in pieces of cotton wool, or doubled flannel. These act as preservers, but absorb the perspiration, and can, like the hat linings, be changed when soiled. I have found this plan answer well even with the lightest evening dresses which are submitted to more than ordinary danger, owing to the free perspiration in the armpits, caused by dancing and the heat of crowded rooms.
