In this, as in other cases, to remedy the evils of one artificiality, another artificiality has been introduced.  The natural, spontaneous exercise having been forbidden, and the bad consequences of no exercise having become conspicuous, there has been adopted a system of factitious exercise—­gymnastics.  That this is better than nothing we admit; but that it is an adequate substitute for play we deny.  The defects are both positive and negative.  In the first place, these formal, muscular motions, necessarily less varied than those accompanying juvenile sports, do not secure so equable a distribution of action to all parts of the body; whence it results that the exertion, falling on special parts, produces fatigue sooner than it would else have done:  to which, in passing, let us add, that, if constantly repeated, this exertion of special parts leads to a disproportionate development.  Again, the quantity of exercise thus taken will be deficient, not only in consequence of uneven distribution; but there will be a further deficiency in consequence of lack of interest.  Even when not made repulsive, as they sometimes are by assuming the shape of appointed lessons, these monotonous movements are sure to become wearisome from the absence of amusement.  Competition, it is true, serves as a stimulus; but it is not a lasting stimulus, like that enjoyment which accompanies varied play.  The weightiest objection, however, still remains.  Besides being inferior in respect of the quantity of muscular exertion which they secure, gymnastics are still more inferior in respect of the quality.  This comparative want of enjoyment which we have named as a cause of early desistance from artificial exercises, is also a cause of inferiority in the effects they produce on the system.  The common assumption that, so long as the amount of bodily action is the same, it matters not whether it be pleasurable or otherwise, is a grave mistake.  An agreeable mental excitement has a highly invigorating influence.  See the effect produced upon an invalid by good news, or by the visit of an old friend.  Mark how careful medical men are to recommend lively society to debilitated patients.  Remember how beneficial to health is the gratification produced by change of scene.  The truth is that happiness is the most powerful of tonics.  By accelerating the circulation of the blood, it facilitates the performance of every function; and so tends alike to increase health when it exists, and to restore it when it has been lost.  Hence the intrinsic superiority of play to gymnastics.  The extreme interest felt by children in their games, and the riotous glee with which they carry on their rougher frolics, are of as much importance as the accompanying exertion.  And as not supplying these mental stimuli, gymnastics must be radically defective.

Granting then, as we do, that formal exercises of the limbs are better than nothing—­granting, further, that they may be used with advantage as supplementary aids; we yet contend that they can never serve in place of the exercises prompted by Nature.  For girls, as well as boys, the sportive activities to which the instincts impel, are essential to bodily welfare.  Whoever forbids them, forbids the divinely-appointed means to physical development.