still weaker, from entire inactivity. If a
parent perceives that a child is growing crooked, the proper remedy is,
to withdraw it from all pursuits which tax one particular set of
muscles, and turn it out to exercise in sports, or in gardening, in the
fresh air, when all the muscles will be used, and the whole system
strengthened. Or, if this cannot be done, sweeping, dusting, running of
errands, and many household employments, which involve lifting,
stooping, bending, and walking, are quite as good, and, on some
accounts, better, provided the house is properly supplied with fresh
air.

Where persons have formed habits of inactivity, some caution is
necessary, in attempting a change; this must be made gradually; and the
muscles must never be excessively fatigued at any time. If this change
be not thus gradually made, the weakness, at first caused by inactivity,
will be increased by excessive exertion. A distinguished medical
gentleman gives this rule, to direct us in regard to the amount of
fatigue, which is safe and useful. A person is never too much fatigued,
if one night of repose gives sufficient rest, and restores the usual
strength. But, if the sleep is disturbed, and the person wakes with a
feeling of weariness and languor, it is a sure indication that the
exercise has been excessive. No more fatigue, then, should be allowed,
than one night's rest will remedy.

Some persons object to sweeping, on account of the dust inhaled. But
free ventilation, frequent sweeping, and the use of damp sand, or damp
Indian meal, or damp tea leaves, for carpets, will secure a more clear
atmosphere than is often found in the streets of cities. And the mother,
who will hire domestics, to take away this and other domestic
employments, which would secure to her daughters, health, grace, beauty,
and domestic virtues, and the young ladies, who consent to be deprived
of these advantages, will probably live to mourn over the languor,
discouragement, pain, and sorrow, which will come with ill health, as
the almost inevitable result.

The following are extracts from 'The Young Ladies' Friend,' on this
subject:--

"Whether rich or poor, young or old, married or single, a woman is
always liable to be called to the performance of every kind of domestic
duty, as well as to be placed at the head of a family; and nothing,
short of a _practical_ knowledge of the details of housekeeping, can
ever make those duties easy, or render her competent