The Newtown bee., 1905-01-06
al means of insuring health, mental stamina and happy disposition.
PHYSICAL DEFECTS

1ue prOpOfGlOnS Ol the OOney Irami- work are in the main determined a birth, so also very largely, though not wholly, is the amount and the diStri button of adipose tissue or fat. We may not accept the doctrine of predes- tination as part of our religious creed but 1t must be reckOned with when we come to consideration of physical characteristics; and so we find mourn ing over waists that are too short, hips that are too large or too slender, thin necks, prominent collar bones and the like. Exercise may affect but it can never wholly conquer these defects. A good muscular development will par tially take the place of fat in rounding angles, but only partially. Acquirec defects may be called postural defects defect of the spine, shoulders and chest.
 AN IMPROVEMENT IN WALKING.
 American women used to be said to walk very badly. 1 do not believe they did ten years ago. Certain it is that they more commonly carry them selves we'll than do American men Much more attention has been given to correct bearing in the physical training of women than has been done by the trainers of men. Faults of pos ture yield more or less readily to gym nastic treatment. It is possible for every woman to walk, sit and stand with ease and dignity. It is impor- tant that she should for badly adjusted movement involves constant waste of energy, both nervous and muscular, and, often produces such malpositions of internal organs that health is seri- ously interfered with. The effects of posture upon health can scarcely be exaggerated. Physicians are coming to treat malpositions of the pelvic or gans with the help of certain correc- tive pastures.
 A SUITABLE TEACHER.
 Nothing can compare with the per sOnal attention of asthoroughly trained and intelligent teacher; and if the training of instructors in music or mathematics is matter of consequence even more so is the preparation of those who have it in their power to af feet so ravorably or so disastrously the health of their pupils. think it pos sible to overcome very marked poStur- al defects by means of correspondence course, provided the course be a good one and l presume that such exist. When employing teacher investigate his or her qualifications. An investi- gation of the course in any reputable normal school of physical education would not be difficult, and would be interesting and l am certain, sooner or later, useful.
 PLAY IS THE SECRET.
 From functional defects we perhaps suffer most the disordered nutritive and nervous systems, responsible for I'll ho vrhnla 1ict nf oiI. mentS, make life one long struggle for toe many. Through advance in mat ters of public hygiene, through in- creased efficiency in our public health boards, deaths from infectious and contagious diseases are being marvel ously reduced in numbers, but nervous prOstratiOn, nervous collapse. insanity and heart failure have increased to an alarming extent. To correct such dis orders 1 know of nothing more power full than play. Play active games, not think that you cannot afford to play; you cannot afford not to. You can better cut off effort in any other line of self improvement. Play keeps men and women young and gives them the right attitude towards their fellows It seems to me that there is nothing so needed in American life to day as wholesome outdoor recreation, the right interest in outdoor sport-out- door games played for the love of play ing not for championship or spec tacle: The interest is the only thing which will keep those of us who live in cities sane and sturdy. Sometimes it seems as if the right attitude towards athletic sport would never prevail, yet 1 it will some time as all things right and needful are bound to. Sometime everyone will have his or her favOrite outdoor recreation and we shall enjoy our sports, not grow excited and ex- hausted over them. Physical exercise is needed as part of the school currlc- ulum for many reasons. 1t is needed to relieve mental fatigue and refresh the mind. No other one subject can
 plete iving'-Spencer's definition of education-than physical training. In our public schools physical training should be used to promote growth, to
 increase vitality, to develop physical strength, agility and grace. l am con-
 vinced that any rational provision fOl the physical education of school chil-
 dren will result in better mental hab
 it's, in better general health and in a
 permanent effect upon physique which
 will go to the root of some of the most serious evils of modern life. Gymnas tics are needed to insure symmetrical
 development, as an antidote to the
 school desk; but exercises which pos sess corrective value do not furnish
 mental relaxation, periods of whicf
 should increase ratherIthan decrease il
 frequency. At an age when both th'
 boy and the girl need to romp in th' open air, it is the girl who is told tha such actions are unbecOming. It is the
 girl who is taught to do fancy needl' work; it is the girl more often thar
 the boy who is kept at piano practice Is is not a remnant of the custom
 which prevailed two hundred year , ago of confining woman's education to embroidery, painting, music ant household arts? They put stays ol the little ladies of two and three year
 old. We are shocked at the barbarit