, 1882-06-16
Physical Training for Girls,

ne NOEu training 10 NtIy tA
pressive. 1t means literally "draw
to-" but when applied to human or
ganizations we should understand it
as physical training by exercise that
is, development of the body by exer
cising all its parts. This process is
quite different from what is generally
understood by the term education.
This latter term properly applies to
the mind, more particularly to the
intellectual faculties. In the schools
very little attention comparatively is
ever given to the education of the
moral sentiments or the domestic af-
fections. In the case of girls this
constitutes a great failure.
But if the mind is educated at the
expense of the body it constitutes a
still greater failure. Within a few
years public attention has been called
in special manner to the education of
girls and the higher culture of wom
en-. This is all we'll, but the training
of the body-a good development of
the physical SYSTEMS also import
ant. But how can this be secured =?
1t is needless to say that much here
depends upon the type or kind of Or
ganization which is inherited. One
Of the greatest blessings that a per
son can possess is a healthy, well-or
ganized body at birth. But the ad
vantages of this fail unless it is prop
erly taken care of. This training or
care should commence early. While
the dispositions or instincts Of the
boy and girl may differ in some re-
spects, the greatest liberty, as far as
exercise, games, sports, ETC., are con
cerned, whether indoors or out,
should be given alike to both.
After ten or twelve years OF age
the body takes on a more rapid
growth and passes through very sig
nificant changes. In the case of the
girl, this is the most significant period
of her life, as far as health is con-
cerned. In the growth and changes
of the physical system the greatest
pains should be taken to see that
there is a natural, healthy develop
ment of every part. Unless this is
properly attended to the seeds of
weakness or disease are engrafted
into the system, which affect the
highest interests Of woman through
life.
Physical training just at this peri
cd is of vital Importance. The exer-
else that is best adapted to develop
all parts of the body in natural,
healthy manner, is domestic labor.
1t is always at hand it can be taken
regularly every day, and there is such
variety that almost every muscle can
be exercised. House-work should
never be considered menial or de-
grading it is natures laboratory in
which the girl may obtain not only
the best physical development but
most valuable knowledge that will fit
her for the practical duties of life.
This training may be supplemented
by other kinds of exercise, such as
walking and outdoor sports. The
very general introduction of foreign
help into domestic service has
proved most unfortunate for Ameri-
can women.
Closely connected with this neglect
of physical training at home is an
evil of great magnitude that is, su-
preme devotion to brain work. The
practice pursued very generally at
the present day of contining the girl
in school or seminary for series OF
years consecutively is attended with
most serious evils. In the language of
popular writer, l." it is educating our
girls to death" While we would not
discard education in all its various
departments, extending to the high
est culture, we maintain that it is no
advantage or blessing if it is to be
obtained at the expense of the phys
ical system. There are other parts OF
the body besides the brain that need
faithful training. The highest accom-
plishments and mental acquisitions
will not compensate for impaired
constitution and poor health.-Our
Continent.