Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-11-01
From the Home Journal
Ladies' Health.

"This subject is one that ought to interest al
NOT the ladies only-but also those who hav
sisters or wives, or who may one day be blesset
with one of the latter A young man may be
come interested in one of the lovely ones in ou
land, possessed of every quality 10 make him hap
py; yet, from carelessness, proceeding ethe
from thoughtlessness or want of knowledge, the
rich treasures of a loving heart and brilliant intel
lect are enshrned in fragile casket. He may
WOO and win her to his heart and home. while
the seeds of death are lurking in her system. and
in few brief years be left to mourn over the
wreck of bghted hopes, and wonder at The dis
pensaions of Providence little dreaming that all
this proceeded from early neglect. Sad it is,
when. after years of patient, loving care and
watchfulness, his home is thus darkened /; but far
sadder is it, when the cause can be traced directly
back to known imprudence in early youth, when,
in order to dress iashionably, health had been en-
dlngered. -
"IVould that the women of America would a.
rouse to a CONSCIOUSNESS of the responsibility res
ting upon them, and firmly dIscountenance any
demand of fashion which can seriously affect
their health! Of what consequence will it be
some twenty years hence, whether they now
strictly conform to its every caprice not but it,
by so doing their health is injured, how tearfnlly
will they then see the effects of their made folly.
not only in themselves, but, it may be, in their
children also. in world where we begin with
Mothers it is not asking too much that they
should see that their own duty is accomplished.
"Look at the 'sterner SEX who. though they
vary their own dress as fashion dictates, seems to
have more sensible leader to follow for, in what
particular can you find them sacrificing health to
its demands. They may wear combinations Of
the Vesuvius patterD, coats long or short waoted,
vet they are careful to dress so as to keep warm
and dry.
"Look at their feet You do not see one in
hundred venture forth, in damp, chilly weather,
with thin. soled cloth bout. No! they wear
boots with thick soles and high heels; while, on
the other hand, you will not see one woman in a
thousand who, when the rain is not poufing, but
when the pavement is only damp and cold, wears
any thing thicker than a single-soled prunella
yaiter! II you doubt my assertion, go look for
Yourself at the thousands who walk in our crowd
I'd cities. Now. ask, why is it so? Why is |
here such difference? Is it that women are in
erior to men in the possession of good common
sense or is it that they dress in this absurd man
Ter to please the eye of man2 If so, he must
,ear some of the blame, if, instead of boldly con-
emning their folly, he encourages them, by at-
hiring the beauty of eet dressed in this manner.
Let fair ladies dress as they please in their warm
ouses, or in warm, dry weather; Au. for PHYS
AXE, in cold winter weather, let them find some
hing warmer than boot which strong healthy
IAN would not consider sufficient protection for
imself from the dews of summer.
"NVe are called 'the oceaker sex; but, judg
ng only by appearances, it is sad misnomer; for
hat man ever thinks of going out in cold au-
INN or winters day, with but thickness of en-
roidered lace or muslin over his chest, though un
erneath warm outer covering, which, every
me it is In any ways displaced, lets the cold,
cen air creep into the very seat of his liie2-
lot he He has his warm coat buttoned up to ,
le chin. He does not go out with flowing /,
eeves, with fur cuff to keep part of the arm
arm, leaving plenty Of room for the cold wind to
enetrate around the upper and more susceptible }
art OF the arm No! his sleeves are thick, long
I'd warm. And why is it that fashion cannot
ctate as suitable dress for ladies' wear in win
n as she does in summer, when she rarely errs
he might with as much propriety insist upon our
caring furs and velvet in midsummer. as in our
caring lace chimisetts, lace flowing sleeves, etc,
promenade dress in winter"