The Best Gymnasium for Girls.
THE exercise that is best adapted to develop all parts of the body in a natural, healthy manner, is domestic labor. It is always at hand; it can be taken regularly every day, and there is such variety that almost every muscle can be exercised. Housework should never be considered menial or degrading; it is nature's 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 the health of American women. Closely connected with this neglect of physical training at home is an evil of great magnitude, that is, supreme devotion to brain-work. The practice pursued very generally, at the present day, of confining the girl in school or seminary for a series of years, consecutively, is attended with the most serious evils. In the language of a popular writer, "It is educating our girls to death." While I would not discard education in all its various departments, extending to the highest culture, I maintain that it is no advantage or blessing if it 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 accomplishments and mental acquisitions will not compensate for impaired constitution and poor health.