The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1850-04-08
FASHIONABLE ADJUSTMENTS.
FROM THE scALPEL.

What shall say of the music of the opera!-
We are far from being insensble to its charms, and
the refining influence it exerts upon the taste OF the
adult, but can by assent to its good lntiu-
ence upon the girl. 1t is the highest expression of
the language of passion, and such cannot but be
adapted to that premature development of that sys-
tenn so completely under the influence of passonal
emotion. That opera music is suggestive of higher
thoughts and emotions, we freely admit, and believe
that intellectual adults may enjoy it with propriety
but ought not to forget those high intellectual alb
stractons that may refine the intellect of the adult,
are produced by the action of two senses, aqually
suggestive OF earlier and stronger emotions of
sua character In those whose years have not allow
ed material for thought and comparison.
The piano, with judiciously selected vocal music,
is not liable to so great objection; that instrument
is certainly well adapted for early instruction in the
rudmens of music and patience; it is only to be re-
GREETED that 1t Is often made the means of injury to
the health of the learner by occupying TOO much of
her attention. too frequently under the instruction of
teacher who unsuspcious of the existence of
fingers or wrist joints, that the back bone is COM
posed OF yertebr9. The bent position in which
delicate or scroiulous child is compelled to sit for
hours, practising distastefu task when nature cries
aloud for air, exercise and mirth (merey to please
the aspirations of vulgar mother, or needy and in
competent teacher and when frequently there is not
reasonable hope of the wretched child attaining the
age otpuberty) forces upon the conviction that it
plays prominent part in the early sacrifice of female
life; indeed we consider may fairly be cassed with
the needle in its perncions results single hour for
strong one, or half hour for delicate child, is
all that should be devoted at time to this agree
able but dangerous instrument.
| Dancing, an Accomplishment admirably adapted
to the promotion Of gracefuness and health is too
often made the means of developing impurty of
tastes IN the young That charming union of dignity
and grace, so observable in the movements of that
elegant dance of our ancestors the mnuet serves by
contrast to show the sensual and impure character of
some OF the others; few of the modern dances are
also well adapted for the young. 1t is deeply to be
regretted that we have far forgotten our national
dignity as to import the lascivious dances of the
French capital for they are neither adapted to the
health nor mental purity of our children
The excessive indulgence in the dance in over
heated ball rooms productive of some of the worst
results brought under medical notice, and is one Of
the principal causes of i'll health in our young women
Ii the other branches of education were invested
with that charm that might be impaired to them by
competent instructors, the dance would not hold the
youthful mind IN such absolute subsection. The
nervous exhaustion attendant upon committing to
memory long and absurd tasks, during those hours
when the young girl should forget that there is a
school, and which should be devoted entirely TO ex-
ercise and pleasing diversion, and above all to walk
ing IN the open air, causes her to seize, too often
with morbid and intense avidity, upon dancing, as
the only method Of entire relaxation She is permitted
to enjoys consequently, that which is designed for a
graceful accomplishment and pleasing relaxation
from more serious pursuits often occupies the mind
exclusively, and proves equally degrading to her in
tellect and Injurious to her health