The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-03-21
sINGuLAR INVITATIONS.
A peep Beneath FashionabIe Petit.
. con1s-..ArtifIcinI or False Calves.


cORIs-..ArtifcinI or False Calves
The Pound Table of last week has an
article calculated to create a great sem
satinn in fashionable circles, as it lays
bare what is well calculated to shock
the modesty of most beholders. It is
on the subject of "Artificial or False
Calves" manufactured by corset-ma-
kers and sold by corset=dealers. We
present specimen of the Round IdbLe'S
disclosures:
BY calves we mean just what the
anatomists mean when they speak OF
the lower eXtremitieS. We do not know
whose ingenuity devised them, nor
when they were first introduced, nor
indeed their method of construction
But that they were a popular article OF
apparel with young ladies, and espe-
cially those who made dashing displays
on skates, we have abundant reason to
believe, in fact, several of the
prominent corset-makers devoted
all their energies to the lfabrica-
ton of these 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 lest any prying
masculine eyes should penetrate the
mystery, and give publicity to the new
Iy created market; for this would have
had very injurious effect upon the sale
of the article, and the itantalizing delu-
sion 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 we'll where to supply their sweet
calves with patent calves.
This may be an annonncement alto
gether unwelcome to those ambitious
Al, str EaaNN rNfNRa-
ners, from club windows, and in the be-
wiIdering maze of the skating ''carni-
val " have felt their hearts throb with
delicious titillations of delight mt spec
tncles which kindly art has quite VIII
lingly placed ut their disposal. 1t can
hardly fail to be n disappointment TO
such to learn that for triding consid-
Grafton they might have procured the
abounding source of their happiness,
and that, too, in very portable and
enduring shape, by n visit to almost
any ladies' furnishing store. And If
discontinue should chance to lead to
rage, it may be that an inquiring spirit
would discover yet other remarkable
devices for lending enchantment still
more alluring as concerns the " human
form diVine." But If they are wise
they will be satisfied with but one rev.
eIation, and will hereafter devote them
selves to studies less deceptive and
more profitable. If however, it is
satisfaction TO them to continue the in
vestigation, horrible as the idea may
seem, We should counsel an early visit
to one of the very numerous stores con-
secrated to the anatomy of fashion,
which is nothing more nor less thpn
the sculpture of cords, wires and cot
: Il would doubtless be n matter of in
terest to the innocent public to know
who the ladies may be that patronize
these enhancing little toys which call
forth the ogling glances of so many nd
miring spectators. This Is secret
which only the corset dealers and the
ladies' bureau can reveal. We learn,
however, that they have been very pop
ular with these called upper circles"
and it is their surprising success with
this class that has led to unusual ma
mia for skating during the past season.
The ponds have been thronged with
young ladies as never before, and not
until this writing has the mystery been
fully revealed. In fact the rage of the
season has been these adjustable calves
nor has the demand fallen off very ma
terially with the passing away of the
skating senson. They We're worn by
the most fashionable If not the most
respectable in the daily promenadean and
ut the weekly social gathering, and, in
fact, almost everywhere. Very nice
young men stand behind counters all
day long and sell them to very nice
young ladies in sizes to suit. So 1t
makes little difference how cadaverous
or ill-shaped one may be, even nature
is outdone by the devices of art. What
or twoin ialsehair,a
false bust, plumpers in the cheeks, and
the now thoroughly introduced patent
calves, the most awkward in shape and
unattractive in general appearance may
become really "charming." Who does
not say that the world moves2