Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-03-01

ToM-BoYs.-Why is it that the "Tom- boy"
has always been considered a name ofreproach
and that as a class it is one forever prosecuted
and berated Simply because it has become
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 Jessie, or
Jennie, or Halle must not be children but tiny
women-just mamma in duodecimo. This is
a mistake. AT this day, when our young men
want so sadly what is tersely termed "back-
bone" when our young women want stamina,
when, as people, we need physical strength,
there is reform" upon this subject very
much needed also.
would have mothers remember that their
daughters lungs are no better adapted to bear
without injury the putrid air of close and heated
rooms, than is the breathing apparatus of their
sons. | would have them remember that if
physical education be restricted enfeebled
health, and a purposeless, aimiess life, are not
calculated to'bring out the genius and build up
the reputation OF their sons; neither are they to
be depended on to do SO for their daughters.
would have them encourage their little girls to
exercise, effort, industry, and energy, so as to
give them the health, vigOr, activity, and
power to expand into glorious womanhood /:
in word, would urge that they be encour-
aged to become real bona fde flesh and blood
"Tom-boys"
My idea of a "Tom-boy" does not necessa.
rily include rudeness, uncouth manners, or
"outlandish ways" generally-by no means.
The "Tom-boy" is an eager, earnest, impulsive,
bright-eyed, glad-hearted kind-souled speci-
men of the genus femme Ifher laugh is a little
too frequent, and her tone trife too emphat-
ic, we are willing to overlook these for the
sake of the true life and exuting vitality to
which they are the "escape-valves )" and in
deed we rather like the high-pressure nature
which must close off its superfluous "steam"
in such ebullitons. The glancing eye, the
glowing cheek the fresh, balmy breath, the
nth and graceful play of the limbs, tell tale
OF healthy aud vigorous development which is
natures best beauty. The soul and the mind
VIII be developed also in due time, and we
shall have before us a woman. in the highest
sense of the term
lhe lom.boy is beautiful in her way
she is wise also In way peculiarly her own
She can ride horse without bridal or saddle
la Joan d'Arc, can tell you what the shovel
spade and hoe are made for she knows
where the first blue violets grow, and where
the wild strawberries ripen. She can describe
to you the different fish that haunt the fayorite
"branch" for she's caught the SILVER sinners
many time can inform you when the
young brood in the birds nest will be ready 10
fly, for that the household is under especial
protection and her native countenance is full
of the visions of the weather-seer, asi she ex.
plains to you that ut is certain to rain to-
morrow" for the 'pink-eyed pimpernel" has
closed, and there is deep sigh from the south
among the trees.
When the Tom-boy' has sprung up to health
full and vigorous womanhood she will be ready
TO take hold Of the duties of life, to become
worker in the great system Of humanity. She