264 MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE. 



ble, though it is hoped, only in a limited degree to our 

 own country. 



" Although contraction and relaxation, says the author, 

 or in other words, exercise of the muscles, which sup- 

 port the trunk of the body, are the only means, which 

 according to the Creator's laws, are conducive to muscu- 

 lar development, and by which the bodily strength, and 

 vigor can be secured. Instead of promoting such ex- 

 ercise however, the prevailing system of female educa- 

 tion, places the muscles of the trunk, in particular, un- 

 der the worst possible circumstances, and renders their 

 exercise nearly impossible. Left to its own weight, the 

 body would fall to the ground, in obedience to the or- 

 dinary law of gravitation ; in sitting and standing, there- 

 fore, as well as in walking, the position is preserved on- 

 ly by active muscular exertion." 



" But if we confine ourselves to one attitude, such as 

 that of sitting erect on a chair or what is still worse, 

 on benches, without backs, as is the common practice in 

 schools it is obvious that we place the muscles which 

 support the spine and trunk, in the very disadvanta- 

 geous position of permanent, instead of alternate con- 

 traction ; which we have seen is in reality more fa- 

 tiguing, and debilitating to them than severe labor." 



" Girls thus restrained daily, for many successive 

 hours, invariably suffer : being deprived of the sports, 

 and exercise after school hours, which strengthen the 

 muscles of boys, and enable them to withstand the op- 

 pression. The muscles being thus enfeebled, they ei- 

 ther lean over insensibly to one side, and thus contract 

 curvature of the spine ; or, their weakness being per- 

 ceived, they are forthwith cased in stiffer, and stronger 

 stays that support being sought for, in steel and whale- 

 bone, which Nature intended they should obtain from 

 the bones and muscles of their own bodies." 



" The patient, finding the maintainance of an erect 

 carriage, (the grand object for which all the suffering is 

 inflicted,) thus rendered more easy, at first welcomes 

 the stays, and like her teacher, fancies them highly use- 

 ful. Speedily, however, their effects show them to be 

 the reverse of beneficial. The same want of varied 

 motion, which was the prime cause of the muscular 



