Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-04-03
Misrtllaneons
Physical Training For Girls.

The word training is very expressive. II
means literally ..draw to- but when ap.
piled to human organization we should I'M
derstandi it as physical training by exercise.
that is, development of tie body by exer-
cising all its parts. This process is quite
different from what is generally under
stood BY the term education. This APP
plies 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 affections. In the case Of
girls this constitutes great failure.
But if the mind is educated at the ex-
pense of the body it constitutes a still
greater failure. Within a few years pub
lie attention has been called in special
manner tn the education of girls and the
higher culture Of women. This is all we'll.
but the training Of the body--a good de-
velopr1ent of the physical system-is also
important. But how can this be secured !?
1t is needless to say that much here de-
ponds upon the type or kind Of organiZa-
ton which is inherited One OF the great
est blessings that person can possess is a
healthy, well-Organized body at birth.
But the advantages of this fail unless it is
properly taken care Of. This training or
care should commence early. While the
dispositions or instincts OF the boy and
girl may differ in some respects, the
greatest liberty AS far as exercise. games.
sports, ETC., are concerned. whether in
doors or out, should be given alike to
both.
After 10 or II years of age the body
takes on a more rapid growth, and passes
through very significant changes. In the
case OF the girl this is the most critical
period In her life as far az health is con-
cerned In the growth and changes of the
physical system the greatest pains should
lie taken to See that there is a natural.
healthy development of every part. In
less this is properly attended to, the seeds
OF weakness or disease are engrafted into
the system which affect the highest inter
ests of woman through life.
Physical training just at this period is
one of vital importance. The exercise
that is best adapted to develop all parts of
the body in a natural, healthy manner is
domestic labor IL is always at hand; il
can be taken regularly every day. and
there is such variety that almost every
muscle can be exercised. Homework
should never be considered mental or de-
grading; il 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 train
ing may be supplemented by other
kind of exercise. such as walking ant.
outdoor sports. The very general intro
duction of foreign help into domestic SER
vice has proved most unfortunate for the
health of American women.
Closely connected with this neglect of
physical training at home is an evil of
great magnitude-that is. supreme devo-
ton to brain-work. The practice pursued
very generally at the present day of confn-
ing the girl in school or seminary fora series
Of years consecutively is attended with
most serious evils. In the language of
popular writer, ''it is educating our girls
to death" While we would not discard
education in all its various departments,
extending to the highest culture, we main
tain that it is no advantage or blessing il
II is to be obtained at the expense OF the
physical system. There are other parts
Of the body besides the brain that need
faithful training. The highest accomplish
ments and mental acquisitions will not
compensate for impaired constitution and
poor health.-Our Continent.