Page:Science ofDress212.png

212 be guarded against. We have repeatedly in our columns advocated the advantages to be gained, in the physical education of girls, in the introduction of a well-regulated and moderate athleticism—by allowing them to join in pastimes at present mostly limited to boys, such as swimming, rowing (not boat races), and cricket. The thorough development of the female frame which such exercises would induce, would, we are sure, do much to diminish the tendency towards the special diseases which so many women suffer from in after life. One positive advantage would be gained, by the abolition of tight stays and high-heeled boots, which would be impossibilities for young ladies who wished to enjoy athletic pursuits even in moderation."

Almost all athletic sports and games can be enjoyed without making any great change in dress, if the system of clothing I have sketched in the preceding pages be adopted; but I would impress upon those who indulge in out-door games, rowing &c., that when they are warm and sit down to rest after exertion they must throw some warm wrap round them, or they will most probably take cold.

RIDING.—Many improvements have taken place of late in ladies' dress for horse exercise. The long habits formerly worn were alike objectionable and dangerous: for they became soiled and splashed when riding on wet roads or across country; and by catching against chance objects frequently led to the rider's being thrown or injured. In case of accidents, also, they were very