The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1900-07-19
BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL CULTURE.
Miss Berenson, of Smith Colleges Says 1t
Makes Girls Happier

Miss Senda Betenscn, instructor Of
physical training at Smith College, IN
speaking of the benefits women derive
from health culture, saysi
If the higher education Of woman
means anything it means the develop
ing of powers in different directions.
1t means not only the education of
the mind, but the development Of all
the faculties. Since women have al
ready enlarged their sphere of activity
to such wonderful degree, yet seem
only at the threshold of their possi-
bilities, they need health and strength
and endurance more than ever before
to more readily meet the demands Of
their life work. Although physical
training is still much neglected in
some quarters it Is gaining ground
rapidly as dignifed and necessary
part of any serious scheme OF educa-
tion.
The physical training department. at
Smith College aims to be an aid to the
academic department. 1t dc 8 not
eim to mako athletes or physical
SPECIALISTS; il does not encourage
athletics or gymnastics for their own
sakes, but it devotes all its energies to
increasing the general health of the
average student, developing nationally
strong and harmoniously developed
bodies. and "lnaking the body as per-
feet basis as possible for the intel
lectual activities.
A feature that was introduced three
years ago and is proving very success
| ful is that of medical gymnastics.
Students who are below the average
health, who have anamia, delicate
heart or lungs; those who have slight
curvature of the spine or any other
csJmmetrical development, take ur
the work specially adapted to theil
needs. It can be said with truth that
executing students who are weak
eued by illness, every one gains by
physical exercise-a number show re-
markable gains.
The greatest gains ale made in back,
legs aud lung capacity. The girth ot
chests often increased three inches.
One measurement of interest shows
that the depth OF chest is always III
creased, while the depth of abdomen
is decreased. This demonstrates thai
the training brings about better car
riage and poise. Charts of working
capacity are given to all students who
| desire them, and prove great source
OF help and encouragement both tom
structors aud pupils.
Although the all around educationa
gymnastics are always emphasized
athletics and outdoor exercises art
encouraged as much as possible. The
department. discourages the idea Sc
prevalent among many people tina
! athletics only are necessary for physl
! eel development. It's aim is to have
! the athletics and gymnastics supple
! ment each other.
/ Basketball is by far the most popu
| lar game at Smith, and IS most valu
,nShIe one not alone from the athletic
ooinf lSFas,Siew. Women are PHYSICAL.
5imid have no selalfcrsliance, are still
rather self.couscious and peTsessaaaGaa { /.
Team games-where the individual is
secondary to the team; where fair
play, earnestness Of purpose and the
ability to give ones best for the good
Of the cause are developed; where a
slight element of physical danger
comes in-are especially valuable for
The college woman, who is expected
10 make herself felt in whatever call
ing she may take up. Basketball,
more than any other game women
play, develops just such traits OF
It is played with modified
rules, which eliminate unnecessarily
rough aud dangerous playing, yet
preserve hard playing, rapidity and
interest. The fear that athletics will
make women masculine is unfounded |!
wherever the spirit OF athletics is
guarded.
The work OF the physical training
lepartment would seem to prove that
.he college girl is healthier, happier,
stronger, more beautiful and a much
more normal individual because of it.
She is much less hysterical, more less
yiyen to "crushes," and more ready |
10 deal sensibly with heavy response
oilities. It woC. d also seem to prove
hat if a student.ha fairly good prep
sration and is not too stupid, she !
need not break down in college; on !
he contrary, she will leave it stronger
as we'll as mentally.
The Empress of China.
4 correspondent of the London |
Nail, writing from Pekin, describes i
IA interview granted the wives OF
'orairn renresnntatiyes with the Dow |