Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-11
REVELATIONS-A PEEP BENEATH
FASHIONABLE PETTICOATS-.-AIs-
TIFICIAL OR FALSE CALVES.

The Round Table of last week has an
article calculated to create great sensation
in fashionable circles as it lays bare what is
well calculated to shock the modesty of most
beholders. 1t is on the subject of Artificial
or False Calves" manufactured by corset
makers, and sold by corset-dealers. We
present specimen of the Round Tables dis
closures
BY calves we mean Just what the anato-
mists mean when they speak of the lower
extremities. We do not know whose in
genuity devised them, nor when they were
first introduced, nor indeed their method of
construction. But that they were popular
article of apparel with young ladies, and
especially those who made dashing displays
on skates, we have abundant reason to be-
ieve In fact, several of the prominent
corset-makers devoted all their energies to
the fabrication of their rare bits of fashion
able anatomy; and, Notwithstanding the
very rapid production, the supply fell short
of the demand.
OF course good deal of care was taken
no prying masculine eyes should penetrate
the mystery, and give publicity to the newly
created market; for this would have had a
very injurious effect upon the sale of the ar
tcle and the tantalizing delusiOn would
have been far less pleasing. But the fact of
its existence was soon and easily transmitted
by sort of maidenly legerdemain, and all
who were desirous of making sensations by
marvellous perfection of form, knew very
well where to supply their sweet selves with
patent calves.
This may be an announcement altogether
unwelcome to those ambitious young gentle
H. Of nl,,h
dows, and in the bewildering maze of the
skating carnival" have felt their hearts
throb with the delicious titillations of de-
light at speetacles which kindly art has
quite willingly placed at their disposal. 1t
can hardly fail to be disappointment to
such 10 learn that for very triaing consid-
Grafton they might have procured the
abounding source of their happiness, and
that, too, in a very portable and enduring
shape, BY a visit to almost any ladies' fur
nishing store. And if discontinue should
chance to lead to rage it may be that an in
curing spirit would discover yet other re-
markable devices for lending enchantment
still more alluring as concerns the "human
form divine"
If they are wise they will be satisfied with
but one revelation, and will hereafter devote
AutilctlNGN " SluulCS lcc' 0SSCBtAfC anu
more profitable. If, however, it is salts
faction to them to continue the investigation,
horrible as the idea may seem, we should
counsel an early visit to one of the very
numerous stores consecrated TO the anatomy
of fashion, which is nothing more nor
less than the sculpture of cords, wires and
cotton.
The ponds have been thronged with young
ladies as never before, and not until this
writing has the mystery been fully revealed.
Ii fact, the rage of the season has been these
adjustable calves, nor has the demand fallen
off very materially with the passing away of
the skating season. They are worn by the
most fashionable, if not the most respectable
in the daily promenade and at the weekly
social gathering, and, in fact, almost every
where. Very nice young men stand behind
counters, all day long, and sell them To very
nice young ladies in sizes to suit. So it
makes little difference how cadaverous or
iii shaped one may be, even nature is out
done by the devices of art. What with an
investment or two in false hair, false bust,
plumpers in the cheeks, and the now
thoroughly introduced patent calves the
most awkward in shape and unattractiye in
general appearance may become really
. charming" Who does not say that the
world moves!