A luncheon for a 6chool child should be prepared from two standpoints - wholesomeness and attractiveness. Only those foods which are nutritious and easily digested should be considered. The selection of food that is to be eaten cold requires much greater thought than that to be eaten hot. The nature of the child must also be taken into consideration. A quiet child who sits still most of the day should have lighter food than the robust, hearty child who romps and plays. The luncheons should be planned and prepared for days ahead just as the regular menus for the family, making the two fit in together.

The lunch box when opened should present an appetizing and attractive appearance. Food that cannot be packed or carried well should never be used. Each article should be packed by itself and all fitted in neatly and carefully.

The following list of articles will be found most useful in preparing the luncheon:

1. A light lunch box, or a basket well lined with paper.

2. Oiled or parafine paper.

3. Tiny screw-top jar for salt.

4. Larger screw-top jar for preserves.

5. Small spoon.

6. Collapsible drinking cup.

7. Paper napkins.

There are a few points to be observed in regard to the food itself.

Pie should be eliminated for two reasons - its unwhole -someness, and the fact that it cannot be carried well. Eggs should be cooked at a low temperature for a long time to make them digestible, and should be left in the shell. Sandwiches should have the crust left on and be wrapped separately in oiled paper. Be careful not to use any filling for a sandwich the odor of which will permeate the lunch box. Chopped meat is much better to use than sliced meat, as it is more convenient and also more digestible, since a child seldom chews the meat as he ought to. Nut butter and chopped nuts make very nutritious and appetizing sandwiches. Soft, rich cakes are not so good as brittle cookies. Oatmeal and graham crackers frosted make pleasant changes.

Nuts are a valuable addition to the lunch box, furnishing not only nutrition but also attractiveness. A bit of sweet in the way of candy or chocolate, dates or figs may well be used instead of cake. The Parisian Sweets, given on page 120, are exceptionally nice for this purpose.

In putting fresh fruit into a lunch box, be careful to so wrap it that its odor will not penetrate the other food. Especial care needs to be taken with bananas.