, for excellence
of character, refinement of feeling, delicacy of manner, attainment in
science, and a quiet elegance of dress. Of these, one is now gathered
to a wider sphere of usefulness, so we speak of Hannah Lyman by name, as
a woman whose equal most of the students would never have seen, if good
fortune had not taken them to Vassar. The first pupils of Vassar were
thoughtful women, who had been long prepared for its expected opening.
They appreciated at once the lofty influence of these examples, and the
reverent respect they always showed was impressed upon every succeeding
class. These teachers were in every detail of their lives, what
intelligent, modest, and cultivated women should be.

As to dress, so far as example and counsel could do it, the pupils were
taught simplicity.

As to habits, they were taught regularity, order, cleanliness, and the
self-denial in small matters which would prevent then from annoying one
another.

As to manners, the courtesy shown by so finished a gentlewoman as Miss
Lyman, not only in all her intercourse with the Faculty and the
teachers, but to the pupils, in all the minute details of official and
social intercourse, took effect, as no lessons born of foreign travel or
intercourse with the world could ever have done. It was courtesy growing
out of character and conscience; it was not the mere dictation of
custom.

To live with such regularity as Vassar enforced for four years, made it
almost certain that these pupils would never fail of that divine
blessing for the rest of their lives. Their meals were served at the
minute, their rising and retiring were at the proper hours, and sleep
was as secure as good health, cheerful minds, and moderate excitement
could make it.

Their food was of the best material, of good variety, and most careful
preparation. It is not too much to say, that none of the girls could
ever have seen in their own homes such perfect bread and butter, so
abundant milk and meat, or simple delicacies so carefully served without
interruption for four years.

Their exercise was watched by the resident physician, and every flagging
step or indifferent recitation was supposed to have two possible
bearings, one upon the goodwill of the student, the other upon some
incipient physical derangement.

Their study hours were carefully regulated by teachers who knew what
girls could properly accomplish, and when a question arose it was
decided in the only proper w