Of a score of townspeople, few, if any, would prove ignorant of the fact that it is undesirable to work a horse soon after it has eaten; and yet, of this same score, supposing them all to be fathers, probably not one would be found who had considered whether the time elapsing between his children’s dinner and their resumption of lessons was sufficient.  Indeed, on cross-examination, nearly every man would disclose the latent opinion that the regimen of the nursery was no concern of his.  “Oh, I leave all those things to the women,” would probably be the reply.  And in most cases the tone of this reply would convey the implication, that such cares are not consistent with masculine dignity.

Regarded from any but a conventional point of view, the fact seems strange that while the raising of first-rate bullocks is an occupation on which educated men willingly bestow much time and thought, the bringing up of fine human beings is an occupation tacitly voted unworthy of their attention.  Mammas who have been taught little but languages, music, and accomplishments, aided by nurses full of antiquated prejudices, are held competent regulators of the food, clothing, and exercise of children.  Meanwhile the fathers read books and periodicals, attend agricultural meetings, try experiments, and engage in discussions, all with the view of discovering how to fatten prize pigs!  We see infinite pains taken to produce a racer that shall win the Derby:  none to produce a modern athlete.  Had Gulliver narrated of the Laputans that the men vied with each other in learning how best to rear the offspring of other creatures, and were careless of learning how best to rear their own offspring, he would have paralleled any of the other absurdities he ascribes to them.

The matter is a serious one, however.  Ludicrous as is the antithesis, the fact it expresses is not less disastrous.  As remarks a suggestive writer, the first requisite to success in life is “to be a good animal;” and to be a nation of good animals is the first condition to national prosperity.  Not only is it that the event of a war often turns on the strength and hardiness of soldiers; but it is that the contests of commerce are in part determined by the bodily endurance of producers.  Thus far we have found no reason to fear trials of strength with other races in either of these fields.  But there are not wanting signs that our powers will presently be taxed to the uttermost.  The competition of modern life is so keen, that few can bear the required application without injury.  Already thousands break down under the high pressure they are subject to.  If this pressure continues to increase, as it seems likely to do, it will try severely even the soundest constitutions.  Hence it is becoming of especial importance that the training of children should be so carried on, as not only to fit them mentally for the struggle before them, but also to make them physically fit to bear its excessive wear and tear.