The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-08-26
A WORD TO THE GIRLS.


We never expect 10 tire in interest or in
labor for The girls. We see so much 10 hope
for in relation 10 the young females OF our
country and SO mnch that is defective in their
education, that their interest--thei- good lies
upon our heart like perpetual inspiration.
When we see girls educated in the schools
of folly and fashion, selling themselves body
and soul 10 the Establishments of the shop
keeper and mantua maker, idling their young
lives away in gossip and nonsense, taking
early lessons in rouge-daubing and toilet gill
ding, talking seriously of matrimony in their
early ,eens, looking forward 10 making for.
tunatc match, as their only hope and care of
life, forgetting all that Ia best and greatest in
their minds and hearts, Ignoring all womanly
aspirations and aims, giving no heed 10 the
preparations for life's great duties and joys,
my heart beeds within me. How many
good people are trying TO improve the homes
of the world How many are seeking to
awaken in hearts better ideal ol home life,
truer estimate OF home virtue, more thor
ough insight into home duties. How limited
will be their success unless the hearts of the
girls can be warmed with burning zeal for
improvement. Woman is The mistress, the
the presiding genius of home and she must
become true to herself, true 10 her wcmanly
qualities of mind and heart, ere the homes
of this world can be what they should be-
She must cease to worship at the shrine OF
folly; she must cease 10 place her sole good
self simply the doll or plaything Of man she
must cease 10 desire 10 be his pet she must
cease 10 lean Ola father, brother, Eusb and for
support, for instruction. She must feel tina.
she has mind to be educated, q soul 10 he
taught the way of duty. She must learn TO
be independent of her opinions, her actions,
her duties and aims. Every girl should have
some aim in life, and educate herself Ior
some place and duty. Her education should
be solid and thorough. Why should the
boys be semitic college from fourteen 10 esh-
teen and the girls 10 seminary or academy
only as many months. Why should The boys
be three or lour years Learning trade or
profession, aud the girls never learn 10 do
anything! Why should the boys be all their
minority learning agriculture with the best
books, instructions and experiences they eau
get, and the girls that are 10 be their wives
be ignorant of everything that pertains to
their future duties and trialsa Why should
Il q ti,a r,rnvipea nf t,Q hnva tn
much and the girls 10 know SO little?
We want 10 see the girls OF this age wake
up 10 new life and every one of them fix on
some great attainment that they will secure.
First of all let The m learn TO be true women,
intelligent, seli-relant, virtuous, high-mind-
ed, sober, aileciionate, thoughtful, loviGg, all
that is truly loving and nothing that is not,
demanding OF all their associates that they
shall be honorable and respectful Secondly,
let them determine that they will know the
most they can know about The prac lical and
useful duties Of life, that their hancs shall be
taught 10 be useful and their minds active
come what fortune may. Thirdly, let them
learn how 10 preserve their health, to care for
and do for the sick, 10 be judlcious managers
OF households, sick rooms, nurseries, gardens,
dairies, and whatever falls 10 the common lot
of men and women. Fourlhly, lei them learn
10 do something by which they could earn an
honest and comfortable living were they
thrown upon their own resources. Filthy,
let them read and acquire useful knowledge.
With such efforts the girls Of to-day may be
glorious women for the next forty years.
Valley Farmer.