The ladies' garland. [volume] (Harpers-Ferry, Va. [W. Va.]) 1824-1828, 1825-02-19
ON FEMALE EDUCATION.

NNcU, nave not So COnlcInDUDIC an OPINION OF
female capacity as some have Do not think.
however, intend an unqualified eulogium upon
female genius. 1t is not my intention: but this
much VIII say, that while | acknowledge, with
Que difference, the superiority of the lords of
creation, am compelled to believe, that females
are capable not only of learning, but of under
standing, even those branches of science, which
put lew years past were thought too intricate
for their feeble capacities. The day of know
ledge has just dawned upon the female mind
The morning has opened upon innumerable
beauties, and displayed to our astonished vision
treasures rich and pure, which were latent
through the "long dark night Of ignorance"
what then may we not anticipate, when our
sun shall have arisen to its meridian glory?
Flowers will then be expanded to their full rad-
ance-and fruit rlpened into perfection, will de
hight and soothe the last hours of departing day
Let those who hold the minds of females too
weak to receive instruction, give them but far
trlai II, after receiving every advantage which
gentlemen enjoy, they exhibit no marks of cul
tvation-if their manners still retain the disgust
ing evidence of ignorance and vanity and their
countenances the unmeanlng shipper of lrivolty
then say, and not till then, reduce them to
their former state of degradation. Instead of
oeihg the companions and equals of men. make
them the slaves of domestic drudgery Merely
Edgeworth, and More, will bring to the minds
OF those acquainted with their history, the bril-
nancy of female genius.
AS to the manner ofconducting an education
several things ought to be observed
fIrst-lt should be commenced at the earliest
period, as soon as the youthful mind is capable
OF receiving single idea. 1t peculiarly be-
longs to the mother to implant the germs OF
knowledse-to impress upon her hsping infant
sentiments which will grow with its growth"
and stamp correct character upon the future
actions of It's life. But fihe mother herself be
not well educated, how inadequate is she to the
task
Secondiy-ln acquiring an education there is
difficulties to be met with, which patient apnli-
cation alone can conquer Those who are elc
waited by wealth and responsibility to a high
station in life, should remember that this eleva-
ton will not make the path of science smoother
to them than to other people. A certain king Of
ancient times, desired very much to become a
mathematician. His teacher having given him
the necessary instructions with which to com
there was no easier way of acquiring the desired
knowledge. my lord,' answered the teacher.
there is no royal road to Geometry" Let the
affiuent think OF this, and continue to prescvere
diligently IN the pursuit of knowledge.
1t is for the interest of females that education
should be generally deifused among them as it
regards the comforts of life, How different is
the situation of the degraded daughters Of Hin
dostan and Turkey from ours IF we bat turn
to the native sons of our western forest. where
and reproach, we shall see the full extcrt.of fe-
m dppr263tION ,1,,fC -