A CHAPTER FOR GIRLS 451 



found ou parlor center-tables and in family and school 

 libraries, sncli as Chaucer's poems and other writings 

 of a kindred character, is unfit for perusal by inex- 

 perienced and unsophisticated young ladies. Some of 

 this literature is actually too vile for any one to read, 

 and if written to-day by any poet of note, would cause 

 his works to be committed to the stove and rag-bag 

 in spite of his reputation. 



Various Causes.— Bad diet, the use of stimulating 

 and exciting articles of food, late suppers, confection- 

 ery, and dainties,— all these have a very powerful in- 

 fluence in the wrong direction, by exciting functions 

 which ought to be kept as nearly latent as possible. 

 The use of tea and coffee by young ladies cannot be 

 too strongly condemned. Improper dress, by causing 

 local congestion, often predisposes to secret vice by 

 occasioning local excitement. Probably a greater cause 

 than any of those last mentioned is too great familiar- 

 ity with the opposite sex. The silly letters which girls 

 sometimes receive from the boys and young men of 

 their acquaintance, and which they encourage by let- 

 ters of a similar character, must be condemned in the 

 most thorough manner. Upon receiving such a letter, 

 a pure-minded girl will consider herself insulted. The 

 childish flirtations in which boys and girls sometimes 

 indulge, often lead to evils of a most revolting char- 

 acter. 



Modesty Woman's Safeguard.— True modesty and 

 maidenly reserve are the best guardians of virtue. The 

 girl who is truly modest, who encourages ana allows 

 no improper advances, need have no fear of annoy- 

 ance from this source. She is equally safe from temp- 

 tation to sin which may come to her in secret, when 

 no human eye can behold. Maidenly modesty is one 



