The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-07-17
FASHIONABLE EDUCATION,

Examination of the propre,ors of young
ladies' establishment by II committee of gentle
men.
How long have you been prcccptressn
'Thrty five years.
do you pursue the same system of education
now as formerly =
20 no, the system is entirely changed. For
merly, young Indies received what was called
a substantial education, that fitted them to be
good housewives, now they receive an slegan,
education, that fits them to become merchants
wives
Explain the difference
The difference lies between the useful and the
ornamental. The former was the useful, Young
Fades learned few things and learned them well
domestic habits were also incucated. They were
capable Of performing needle work, and could
readily sew on button that might be wanted, OF
darn hole in a stocking, if needed They were
also acquainted with the whole art of cookery, but
that is estimated vulgar. The system has been q
long time abolished. A young lady now acquires
every thing, that is to say she travels through the
whole OF the arts and sciences, us many travellers
who fly through country upon the rail road prin-
ssple, without stopping to make observations, 1t
Is quick and convenient plan, and finishes them
off soon. The only studies that require dwelling
upon, are French Gin n smaller degree,) music anc
dancing. The style Of dancing, is, however, ma
terally changed, and instead of the hearty, bu
romping country dance which used to send, warn
blood sparkling into the cheek, we now substitute
the dizzy and macy waltz, which makes young la.
dles langulsh and distressing. No book ON cooker,
disgraccs our establishments, but fashionable nov.
els, which fill the rising generation with cXtra>a.
CANT notions of grandeur and pride, are struggled
in their place. Needle work is considered yul-
nj al IL l.,
which being useless, is much prnctscd the chie
part, however, of the show work which young la
dies take home is performed by tcachers--il is par
of our new system.
Has as great change taken place in the bodily
as in the mental exercise oipups''
There has. Formerly the treatment still rec
commended by the faculty, induced healthy glow
that now would not be endured. TO obviatc this
to induce an interesting and pallid anguor, ant
genteel and fashionable debility Of body, we
keep the ladies ON small allowances of nutriliv,
matter, but let them crunb themselves to replc
; ton with candies, cakes, and swcatncals. In The
summer, we promenadcd them in the heat of the
day, on the fashionable side of Broadway, in warm
silk dresses, and with newly invented apology
for parassl, which, if properly carried, will keep
of the broiling rays of the sun from one eye at a
time, at least. The heat Expresses the ladies
that makes them Iauguid, md takes oil that rse
health which is so horrible. In winter, we
promenade them in their pumps and silk stock
ings-that induces cold, and produces the same
result
'What is tire object of the modern system"
TO bring up young ladies' in proper notions
respecting the worth'essness of money for any 9TH
er earthly purpose than that ofbeing spent in cost
~ fnery and to adorn their persons and to teach
them first to marry for wealth, and secondly 10
spend their husbands money us fast as possible,
'The old fashion then was useful, hcalthlul
apd -
Vulgar
The new fashion is cncrva,ing, pcrnicious,
Fashionable
THE old system turned out girls fit to be the
wives Of
ANY honest, good people
'The present system turns on, young ladies fit
to be wives Of
'Those who sport their carriages, and reside in
the palaces Up town
How much doe. pocket handkerchief, fit for
lady, cost;'
From ten to fifty dollars
How much did pocket handkerchief used BY
ladies in former times come TO I
From two shillmgi to Il dollar
In what consisted the difference;
'One was made for wear, the other for show.
You think this example the true :, slca =
PRECISELY
what do you suppose Eve gave for pocket
handkcrchieis
ASK Adam.'-.N Y. .1Has