has given them for no purpose whatever—­unless it be for the vexation of school-mistresses?  Perhaps, however, we mistake the aim of those who train the gentler sex.  We have a vague suspicion that to produce a robust physique is thought undesirable; that rude health and abundant vigour are considered somewhat plebeian; that a certain delicacy, a strength not competent to more than a mile or two’s walk, an appetite fastidious and easily satisfied, joined with that timidity which commonly accompanies feebleness, are held more lady-like.  We do not expect that any would distinctly avow this; but we fancy the governess-mind is haunted by an ideal young lady bearing not a little resemblance to this type.  If so, it must be admitted that the established system is admirably calculated to realise this ideal.  But to suppose that such is the ideal of the opposite sex is a profound mistake.  That men are not commonly drawn towards masculine women, is doubtless true.  That such relative weakness as asks the protection of superior strength, is an element of attraction, we quite admit.  But the difference thus responded to by the feelings of men, is the natural, pre-established difference, which will assert itself without artificial appliances.  And when, by artificial appliances, the degree of this difference is increased, it becomes an element of repulsion rather than of attraction.

“Then girls should be allowed to run wild—­to become as rude as boys, and grow up into romps and hoydens!” exclaims some defender of the proprieties.  This, we presume, is the ever-present dread of school-mistresses.  It appears, on inquiry, that at “Establishments for Young Ladies” noisy play like that daily indulged in by boys, is a punishable offence; and we infer that it is forbidden, lest unlady-like habits should be formed.  The fear is quite groundless, however.  For if the sportive activity allowed to boys does not prevent them from growing up into gentlemen; why should a like sportive activity prevent girls from growing up into ladies?  Rough as may have been their play-ground frolics, youths who have left school do not indulge in leap-frog in the street, or marbles in the drawing-room.  Abandoning their jackets, they abandon at the same time boyish games; and display an anxiety—­often a ludicrous anxiety—­to avoid whatever is not manly.  If now, on arriving at the due age, this feeling of masculine dignity puts so efficient a restraint on the sports of boyhood, will not the feeling of feminine modesty, gradually strengthening as maturity is approached, put an efficient restraint on the like sports of girlhood?  Have not women even a greater regard for appearances than men? and will there not consequently arise in them even a stronger check to whatever is rough or boisterous?  How absurd is the supposition that the womanly instincts would not assert themselves but for the rigorous discipline of school-mistresses!