Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-05-25
from he lNOuthcITl HODlestedd.
Our Daughters-TOm

| Somebody saws the ''sOng of the clerk is vet
unsung:" so, perhaps, is the praise of that
peculiar institution" the ''ToH,-boy." Never
| theess it is one that by old and endeared as
ISOLATION, commends itself to our lOve-one
that by our cOgniZance or its beneficial in
fuences, demands for itself our unqualified
sanction. Why is it that the "Tom-boy" has
| always been considered a name of reproach
! and that as class it is one forever prosecuted
and berated Simply because it has become
a custom with us to consider that there is no
development for the young but the mental
that our daughters do not need beautiful
forms, but only cloves" of dresses,-that Jes-
sic, or Jennie, or Halle. must not be children
hut tiny mining criming ,comei,-just mamma
| in duodecimo. This is a mistaken idea, and
| il is time that mothers were finding il out.
At this day, when our young men want so
sadly what is tersely termed backbone"
when our young women want stamina, when
as people, we need physical strength, there
is n reform upon this subject very much
needed also. Now is the time to commence
good work which is vehemently called for
and where shall we begin with better pro-
spect of success, than among the thinking,
substantial, and practical readers of the
Southern Homestead ?" | would have mothers
remember that their daughters lungs are no
better adapted to bear without injury the pu-
trid air of close and heated rooms, than is the
breathing apparatus of their sons. Iwould
have them remember that if restricted (physi-
caD education, enfeebled health, delicate, ner-
vous system. and above all purposeloss, di,nless
life, are not calculated to bring out the genius
aud build up the reputation of their sons
neither are they to be depended on to do this
for their daughters. would have them en-
courage their little girls to exercise, effort in
dustry, and energy. so AS to give them the
health, vigor, activity. and power to expand
as,N.x =
that they be encouraged to become real, bona
fde, flesh and blood .'Tom-boys."
My idea of n "Tom-boy'' does not necessari-
ly include rudentss, nncouth manners, or
''outlandish ways generally,-by no means
The "Tom-boy" is an eager earnest, impulsive,
bright eyed, glad-hearted, kind-souled. liui1g
aud real specimen Of the genus femine. Ii
her laugh is a little too frequent, and her tone
a trifle too emphatic. we are willing tn over
look these for the sake of the true life, and eX-
ulting vitality to which they are the escape
valves - and indeed we rather Ike the high
pressure nature which must close of its super
nuous steam in such ebulitions. The CLAN
cling eye, the glowing cheek, the fresh, balmy
breath, the 1.-THE and graceful play of the limbs
tell tale of healthy and vigorous physical
development, which Is Natures best beauty.
The soul, and the mind, will he developed also
in due time, and we shall have before US a
lro1Era, in the highest sense Of the term.
The .Tom-boyn Is beautiful. in her way
she is wise also in way peculiarly her own
She knows the names of all the cows, can
ride the horses to water without bride or sad
die, Ia Joan dare, can tell you what the
spade. shovel and hoe are made for, she can
hunt hens nests, feed the young turkeys,
knows whereabouts on the bluff the first blue |
violets blow, and where amid the thin grass |
in the meadow the wild strawberries ripcn. |
She can describe 10 YOU the different fish that |
haunt her favorite "hranch,n for she's caught |
the "sslyer-shinersn many time; can inform |
you when the young brood in the blue birds |
nest will be ready 10 fiy, for that household is |
under her especial protection; and her Hafipe |
Is fall OF the visions of the |
weather-seer, she explains TO you that lit is |
certain 10 rain tomorrow for the pink |
eyed primpernel' has closed, and there Is a /
deep sigh from the South among the mountain
pines.
When the 'sTom-boyr has sprung up 10 /
healthfnl and vigorous aomanhOod, she will 1
be ready Ia take hold of the duties OF Life. 10 /
become a workr In the great system Of human
ity. She will not sit down 20 sigh over the /
work given her TO do" to shipper nonsense,
languish In ennui or fall sick at heart; bat /
she will ever he able 10 take up her burden OF /
Duty, while nature. men. society, and gov
will be subjects for her analization