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probably a considerable percentage of the rest saved only on their face to preserve appearances—must be due in no small degree to the lack of preparation on the part of those who enter into matrimony.

In undertaking almost any other important duty and responsibility in life, it is generally recognized that preparation is necessary. To this end, children are sent to school to receive instruction that will prepare them in a general way for the ordinary duties of life. Young men and young women go to college for a period of years that they may be qualified for professional activities, or special lines of intellectual endeavor. Many more serve several years' apprenticeship at trades to prepare themselves for their life's work. Athletes train for years to become proficient in a very limited sphere of physical effort, usually covering a comparatively limited period of time. The same tendency is noted in practically all fields of human undertaking.

The only exception of consequence is in preparation for marriage, which undoubtedly is, or should be, the most important undertaking of all. Of course, there are frequently elaborate preparations for the marriage ceremony, or for the social side of the function, and for many of the superficial things that enter into the event. But for the vital part of married life, there is in the majority of cases less than no preparation. As a matter of fact there is a handicap of misinformation to be overcome before there can be a basis of real knowledge and understanding, which is so necessary to insure a happy, harmonious married life. For marriage is fundamentally a sexual union, and its success or failure, all things considered, is largely determined by conditions arising from the problems of sex in their broad, as well as specific, aspect.

Marriage is the most intimate possible relationship between