Over the years we have seen a pronounced improvement in the general care and well-being of babies in this section of South Carolina. This improvement is consistent with that observed throughout the southern states, which is reflected by infant mortality statistics. However, we have also noted the number of malnourished and anemic children between the ages of 1 and 4 who continued to come to our office. Usually every week one or more of these youngsters would be brought in. They were not sick enough to be put to bed, nor were they well enough to romp and play as other children. They were simply tired, irritable children who were a joy neither to themselves nor to their families. This study was instituted to determine, if possible, not only the immediate cause of this malnutrition and anemia but also the remote causes: the general environment of these children, the types