104 Wisconsin State Hokticultural Society. 



not admit this. Bat we find that the young men have regular 

 and systematic physical training, that military drill is required of 

 them, that the gymnasium is daily open to them, that base ball is 

 a favorite game with many, and when we inquire what physical 

 exercise is required of the young women, we are told that nothing 

 of the kmd is expected of them. Here and there is one who 

 enjoys rowing, or practices with dumb-bells or Indian clubs, but, 

 for the most part, the time which should be given to exercise is 

 devoted to embroidery or to fancy work of some kind. One 

 young lady, a graduate of the State University last June, herself 

 the picture of health, in her practical essay, entitled " Activity of 

 Young Women," thus referred to this subject of physical exer- 

 cise : " That this is essential to health all admit, and that the 

 delicacy and weakness of many young women is due to a lack of 

 it, seems undeniable. They are virtually dying for want of exer- 

 cise. This is sustained by the false desire for delicacy which is 

 commonW conirasled with coarseness, as if weakness or imperfec- 

 tion of the body were more refined than health, its perfection." 

 From tbis it would appear that " the sweet girl graduate '' would 

 prefer to look pale and delicate, for public sentiment seems to 

 expect it. Then public sentiment ought to be corrected. 



Some one has suggested that young ladies be instructed in 

 landscape gardening, so that they may know how to adorn and 

 beautify their homes without, as well as within; that they culti- 

 vate flowers, and have each some little plat of ground which shall 

 be her special care. The State University ought to take the lead 

 in this, and the young and enthut^iastic professor of agriculture 

 might direct the work. I notice that he has already added to the 

 attractions of the University drive by laying out flower beds near 

 the shore of Lake Mendota, where verbenas, geraniums, and foliage 

 plants greet you in a charming, unexpected fashion, as the carriage 

 winds along the edge of the grove. 



But however attractive flowers and fruits may be to grown up 

 men and women, it is for the children that they possess peculiar 

 delight A good garden is an educator ; it is a necessity to the 

 highest development of child-life. To the wife and mother is 

 entrusted the training of the little ones, and where can she care 



