Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1856-09-27
From the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal
HYGIENE OF DRESS--HOOPS.

A great deal of fun is had nowadays at the ex-
pense of the ladies. Occasionally an item in their
'making up" is somewhat Outre, and subjects them
to comico' criticism. We, whose province it is to
lupk soberiy upon these things-having already
entertained some very sombre ideas as to the effect
Of the little arrangements termed "bunnets" upon
feminine health, and having. not unfrequently, had
occasion to remark untoward results, from what
is pleasantly termed wearing then,-are very glad
to say a word in favor of another substvucture,
namely. the hoop.
We read with a smile the ether day, in brakes
History of Boston, the following judgement Vi on
Hoop Petticnats" in We olden time. The state
ment is that they were severely condemned and,
that this persecution was continued until they
surrendered without conditions" The TRADE
against them was contained in a pamphlet advsr-
tised in Franklin's Courant. and whose title runs
thus: Hoop Petricoats. Arraigned and consigned
by the Light of Reason and the Law of Gpd. Price
3D." From the price, this must have been a small
afair, and doubtless the ladies' thought so
There can surely be nothing more appropriate,
during the heat of Summer, than these light frames
tu raise the weight of the skirts (wnich we presume
they d.. in = medsure) from the hips aud lower
part of the back and. frem ribs action alone, they
must he pleasantly cooling. 1t is pretty well
known that the mure weight and heat rem wed
from the loins and sacrunl, the less likelihood there
is for weakening discharges, the fewer dragging
sensations and pains, the greater ability for walk
ing. &c.
While, tneh. mo Grafton in the extent oc this
centrifugal agent should be observed. We are in
clined to indorse its use, hygienicallv, at least dur.
ing the hot season. There are those who can i'll
bear, however, the tree circulation of air which
this mechanicism allows; therefore invGlids must he
cautious how they encircle themselves. A hnoT
Of medium size should be adopted by them. if an,
he worn, and in damp or cool weather, certainly
more clothing beneath it. than a perfect we'll per
son needs. We are inclined to believe that any
marked circumferentia of ladies dresses in Wm
ter is unsafe, on the ground of risk to the health.
In some degree. however, a proper supply Of un
der garments would obviate the danger. although
The evil Of the weight would not he avoided bu
our climate is too severe aud raprici1us to all"x o
the mode which be6t France, or even England
during the colder seasons of the year.
1t is scarcely nur province to remark upon tn,
influence hoops have az aids to. or detractors from
beauty Of firm Ut carriage. In certain instances
numerous enough, the balloon inclosure must b.
exceedingly convenient in others. our preference
would doubtless lie for the uninhated article
Stature. too. should be consulted, both as regard
tho use Of the hoop at all, and if worn, as to tn
proper Dimensions.
Need we say. that authentic instances are o.
record, and that toe, not long since, in which thes
much talked of and varinulsy-estimated ap2enda
yes have contribute. to the saving Of liie2 w
advise all ladies' about to travel. and liable TO fin
managed steam Boats. 10 go hoped. But let al
take notice. that although we believe The large
the hoops are, in case of an involuntary plunge
hath. the better-we have already warned thei
fair wearers against such a sire on land. Don
i foLA cnIH p o.