PHYSICAL TRAINING OF GIRLS. 497 



physiological processes of her being she is exposed to greater perils 

 than are her stronger brothers. The existence of these conditions also 

 renders her more liable to injury from any sudden and severe muscu- 

 lar strain, against which the system has not been fortified by previous 

 training. 



Some one has said that, in order to improve the health of the pres- 

 ent generation, it would be necessary to correct the hygiene of our 

 grandmothers ! It is to be regretted that we can not begin thus early ; 

 but we can improve the grandmothers of the future by beginning 

 with the young girls of to-day, and, through a sustained and system- 

 atic course of culture, help them to reach maturity with a physical en- 

 dowment which will enable them more successfully to take their part 

 in the battle of life. I would therefore say, begin the training early ; 

 where this is not possible, begin carefully. 



Regulated gymnastic exercise is only one means of physical cult- 

 ure : modes of dress, out-of-door exercise, bathing, sleeping, the plays 

 of young children, all are of equal importance. 



If the little girl is to be reared with a view to perfect physical 

 development, she should be dressed in as substantial clothing as her 

 brother, and all trimmings and accessories necessitating extra care and 

 stimulating a tendency to self -consciousness and the impression of sex 

 should be avoided. If the boy is provided with a bicycle, the girl 

 should be given a tricyle, and so with all the inducements by which he 

 is stimulated to seek recreation in the open air. She should share them. 



If, from the exuberance of health and vitality which this course en- 

 genders, the girl should chance to make as much noise as a boy, she 

 should not be checked and repressed, while he is sent out-of-doors to 

 have his frolic out. Above all, should the following of that routine 

 custom in the education of girls, piano-practice, be avoided. The 

 piano is the family vampire, which has sapped the vitality of thousands 

 of young girls by keeping them from the healthful recreation and ex- 

 ercise which they so much need. It should be a rule of every educa- 

 tor that no girl should be allowed to take a course of music-lessons 

 while she is pursuing the regular routine of her school-work. 



As the girl approaches womanhood, let it be remembered that the 

 need of healthful mental work is never greater than now. Muscle 

 and nerve and intellect do not develop and grow strong upon sensa- 

 tional literature and fancy-work, and this is why girls at this age often 

 grow morbid, sentimental, and self-conscious. Those instincts which 

 should be kept in abeyance are stimulated into activity, and nervous, 

 hysterical, or chlorotic conditions result. 



Where the mind has been healthily directed, the system fortified 

 by unstinted out-of-door recreation, and the muscles trained to endure 

 prolonged effort without fatigue, the above conditions will be looked 

 for in vain. 



Walking, running, horseback-riding, tricycle-riding, lawn tennis, 



VOL. XXTI — 32 



