Year: 1867

A correspondent OF the Home Journal, writing
from Long Branch, n, j., gives an interesting and
amusing sketch of sea-bathing, asitis practically
the ladiesat that popular Summer resort. He also
makes some startling revelations, as to their beau
tiful hair, teeth, complexions, &c. Says he: s1


'The bathing is tous, the great attraction at this
place, and the scene, from ten until twelve in the
morning, is both ludiorous and pleasing Groups
ofyoung ladies, accompanied by their mammas,
come down from the hotels attired in all their
morning fnery, and emerge from the bathing houses
dressed in every imaginable bathing costume. To
some ladies, bathing dress is very becoming,
while others look like 'fights, to use the express
sion Of one of the SEX We have seena lady who
was positively ugly, look quite charming in Light
blue bathing suit and broad.brimmed straw hat.


j. It is very amusing to watch the ladies bathe.--
They are almost always timid, and avoid going In
to the water as long as possible preferTng to run
down the beach just near enough to get their deli
cate little feet damp, and then scream in the most
heart-rending manner. They sit along the beach
and make ''sand pies" ask those who come out il
the water is cold, or deep, and how they feel AT
last, having become sufficiently courageous, they
form line by taking hold of one anothers hands,
and slowly inaugtnate second "march tothe sea. :


The first wave that breaks over the line set
them all screaming, and uttering exclamaticns O
fear and pleasure. When they step into the gul
ley, which must be passed before reaching the
fats, they all imagine that they are going to drown
and cry and scream to a great extent. Having
reached the fats, and finding themselves in shall
low water, their courage returns, and they dance
up and down to avoid the breakers, laugh and talk
splash water, and have happy time generally
Such excamations as, "Here comes big one!


"Aint this nice2'' Don't let go my hand!'-
"Wheres my hat?'' etc, are heard on all sides.


We were very much surprised to see one young
lady on the beach, whom we had been admirinG
very much on account of her abundant and ele.
gantly dressed head of hair, which was Of that rare
tint of auburn, so much admired at present. Judge
of our surprise and amazement when we saw hel
in her bathing dress, sitting on the sands, waiting
for some gentleman to take heriu, with few short
wisps of hair hanging down her.neck. We passed
and repassed her two or three times to be sure We
were not in error, but there was no mistaking the
lady, and we were overwhelmed with the discove
ry we made as to how much art could do in the
way Of extra adornment for the fair sex '


In the water there can be no disguise, and yor
see the fair creatures as they really are. IF thei
hair is false, it has to come off, and if there is
suspicion of paint or rouge, it washes off, and fals'
teeth are either taken out and left in the bathing
house, or, if worn, they shake about in the mos
surprising manner A large foot shows itself t.
disadvantage, and a hand without rings, cuffs, etc


must be very small and white to look pretty. Tit
sun is great truth teller, and shows every one il
their true light, and it is the best test for age
wrinkles, however small, are sure to appear. The
season now is at its height, and all manner of en-
tertainments are given daily.