Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-06-26

of their powers. If physical training devel-
oped such vigor in those days, why is not
similar practice adopted now, to secure such
desirable results Surely the different call
ing CT require as much agility and strength
as the management Of the art OF COUGHING
the lance and the management oil the war
horses.
Every school ought to have some sort of
gymnasium attached to it, where the chldren's
IN muscles, cct., may be gradually improved.
when child arrives at the age OF four or
FIVE. it is sent to school, where it is confined
for the chief part Of the day, in an atmos-
phere which tends to cheek the bodily growth.
This continues fer several years during
which the mental faculties are continually en-
ployed. If the body be not duly exercised
along with the mind, the latter, receiving
more than its natural share of nourshment,
causes loss of vigor in the former. In the
commercial world supply depends upon de-
mand-so with the different members and
parts of the human body. The supply of
nourishment to any particular part OF mans
frame depends upon the demand is regulated
in proportion as that part is called into action.
Therefore if any member remains dormont
for want Of suitable exercise, its undevelope'
ment causes it to lose its natural strength.
Children, after confinement in school
throughout the day, require something to call
irto action every mnsce of the body. Their
majority, if not all OF our schools, however,
are only provided with small playground,
where the amusements are confined to shoot
ing marbles. &c. Such a provision alone
will not satisfy children's natural wants and
consequently they are in numberless case,
puny and weak, to find perhaps premature
grave, No doubt many persons think that
working mems children have sufficient call
for bodily development at home. In some
measures this is true as regards rural districts,
but not towns. In the former places the
poor mans child has plenty to do from sun
rise to sunset. And do the children become
vigorous and well developed men? Let any
one take survey of our rural population,
and then make answer. Tho majority OF
them seem as unwiedly as polar bears; some
carrying their heads foot in advance OF
their bodies; others, with mlsshaped legs,
and nearly all possessing the most awkward
gait. The towns are far worse off than coun-
try districts, tor the means of athletic exer-
cises Crowded throughlares and dark alleys
from their gymnasium, and its youths wan
looks clearly show the benefit derived.
So many young men have been returned as
unfit for military service in France, on ac-
count Of some physical dctormity, that the
attention of the government has been drawn
to it, and means have been taken to remedy
the evil. In this country the same s 'arlng
fact has hitherto remained officially unpotic-
ed, though it is sufficiently notorious. While
the cry is now for education, let its prompt
ers, as well as the teachers themselves, rem
cmbcr that it is as much their duty to Gu
dcayor to dcvclopc the physical powers of
children as the mental ones so that in body
they may be fitted to meet the storm Of life.
To do this, the proper means must be connect
ed with every school.