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    Zlnubted not but her guests were as delighted as herself ) t oroduce for inspection the ' braw new shirt she had . A finished for her papa , made without help , except the ¦ v \ nhiniz of the collar and wristbands , and the whipping n and sewing on of the frills . ' This having receive ! the proper meed of praise , was succeeded by some other performance : then Bella was made to dance the Highland fling , which she had learnt from one of the servants Ha Highland girl—consisting of various turnings and istings , and perpendicular leaps in the air ; so that we had plenty of amusement , such as it was . The exhibition was closed by the recital of ' The Lord ' s my shepherd ' and * How doth the little busy bee , ' by Johnny , aided ' his mother in those parts in which his memory was defective , which upon an average was once in every second line .

    " Thus the evening wore on . The two matrons got into close communication . The children romped , quarrelled were rebuked by their mother , and at last , as they cot sleepy , were despatched to bed , not , however , without much crying and resistance . Miss Cochrane and I each occupied a corner of the sofa , and occasionally exchanged a word , or yawned and looked at the fire . She was impatient , I suppose , for the reappearance of the gentlemen , and I was anxious for my father s , that we might get home . ' ? Joyful was the sound of the breaking up of the revels in the dining-room , whose distant echoes had all alone been in our ears , and at length in came the reverend Presbytery by two or threes at a time , most of them very red in the face , and each rubbing his hands , as if he felt the night very cold . _ _ _

    . .. " * Here we are at last , gudewife , ' said Mr . Purdie , who seemed in a high state of glee , advancing to where his spouse was seated by Mrs . Symington , come to get a cup o' your tea , to do awa the ill effects o' the toddy . ' »« Deed , minister , we were just thinking ye seemed owre fond o' the toddy bowl to quit it the night . But ye ' se get your tea , —it ' s been masket an hour since , and we re a' wearying for it ; ' and rising from her seat , she bustled to the tea-table , where the tea-things had been displayed , as she said , for more than an hour . " The room was small , —the party filled it to overflowing A perfect Babel of tongues arose in it , for almost talkedand few seemed inclined to listen

    every one , , — the effects of the toddy were apparent . The old gentleman , my dinner companion , as if to make amends for his former shortness , sat down by me , and endeavoured to entertain me by a disquisition on church law , in reference to a case then under the consideration of the Presbytery . He went by the nickname of ' Slow John , '— -and prosy enough he was to be sure . I was beginning sadly to weary for our departure , vainly endeavouring to catch my father ' s eye , who was quietly conversing in a corner with Mr . Patterson , when happily the servant opened the door , and announced with a titter that Mr . Douglas ' s servant had said he wad wait nae langer . '

    " ' Rose , are you ready ? ' said my father . I rose immediately , too ulad to go , to mind the message which excited some mirth . I bade the company good night , resisting Mr . and Mrs . Purdie ' s pressing invitation to wait 'just another hour , ' and was soon seated in the cart by my father . John was very discontented at being made to wait so long , and scarcely spoke as he helped us in . How glad I was to hear the branches of the trees rustling on the top of the cart , as it moved along to the gate . We turned out of the entrance ; the long road was before us , and the fieah air blew into the cart—it was so sweet after the fumes of the toddy ! The change from the din and confusion we had left , to the quiet and solitude of the road , w ; ir most refreshing . There was no moon , but there was no starlight ; and the horse , conscious he was returning to his own stable , moved briskly on . "

    Untitled Article

    MAYO ' s l'HILOSOl'HY OF LIVING . The Phili > s ,, , hij of Living . Uy Herbert Mayo , M . I ) . The Third Kdition , revised . J . W . Parker . Tiik prctixcellencc of this work consists in the sound physiological knowledge underlying its popular . style . Not only arc the principles laid down clear , definite , and simple , but they arc based upon a thorough mastery of all that Science has established with respect ; to this intricate and important subject . A careful study of its pages will furnish the reader with . such general guides as must greatly assist him in the preservation of his health . Indeed , except the truly admirable works of Dr . Combe we know nothing to he compared with this Philosophy of luvirtq . A liberal and comprehensive spirit

    animates its pages , rendering it agreeable to read as well as profitable to study . It is a scries of Essays on Diversities of Constitution—Diet—J ^ xercise—Sleep—liulhing—Clothing—Air and Climate—and Health of Mind—brief yet full of detail , so clear that a child may understand them , ho important that a philosopher may meditate on them . Under the head of Constitution he treats of Temperaments , of Habit , and of Diathesis ; under the head of Diet , he treats of Digestion , of Food , of quantities of Kood , of intervals between meals , of conditions which strengthen or weaken the digestive powers , of l «' ood at , diU ' ereiit Ages , and of social relations of Food—nothing can be more satisfactory and convincing than this essay . Upon Exercise he has also most judicious remarks : —

    I'll YHICA 1 , KIMJUA . TION OF ( II III . H . " There ih but oik- disease to which femnlc children are li . ihli ' . : m < l i | llt | jH Kduciilion ; im hooii iih t . lie age arrives ; i ! vvliicl , ilu-y lire 10 be ai tiliciull y trained to feminine .-" < ! - ; s of mini mid mannerri , and iiccoiimli-tliinciit , their

    strength and health are endangered . While boys are encouraged to pursue sports of increasing exertion , their Bisters , whose bodily strength not keeping pace with theirs , nevertheless requires exercise equal in proportion for its maintenance , are forbidden all that they need . The consequence is , that they are liable to become fragile a . nd delicate . How their health is progressively impaired , this is not the place to teach . It is my present object only to point out in what its alterations originate , and how they may be prevented . But there is one alteration which follows so immediately and mechanically from neglect of exercise , and which tends so completely to counteract the objects for which the system of artificial culture is pursued , that I may not pass it unnoticed . This is weakness of the back , followed by curvature of the spine .

    " I enter , indeed , upon this subject the more readily that it has not been adequately explained , even by the latest writers . Every one is , indeed , aware that general weakness of the entire structure of the back is the consequence of the neglect of exercise ; but how it happens that that weakness produces lateral curvature , I think , has not as yet been shown . All , again , are aware that vertical pressure is insufficient to produce the effect observed ; this might cause the bones to become broader and flatter , but could not bend the back laterally . The difficulty has been to get at the origin of lateral curvature ; or to bring the back into that kind of sinuous flexure in which common pressure would cause the weakened column to become serpentine .

    " The first feature in the inquiry which presents itself is the almost uniform elevation and fulness of the right shoulder , and right side of the chest , which accompanies curvature of the spine . Why this feature is not universal will be subsequently explained . But for the present let us attend to the fact of its remarkable frequency . * ' The principle to which this will be traced is thus expressed by Donald Walker : —' The one-sidedness with which almost all the acts of life are performed is the general cause of the greatest and most universal deformity , and its prevention requires an equal and similar use of the other side . ' Hitherto , however , the connection between the general fact and the common feature of spinal curvature has not been shown

    " The steps by which the spine ordinarily gives way are these . The child kept at its music-stool , or books , or drawing , has a weakened or aching back . The muscles of the spine have not been invigorated by the sportive exertions , and the various chaiges of attitude , which nature dictates . Wearied by its task , the next change is to stand listlessly beside its governess or in a drawing-room . What is the posture which it assumes ? It is , of course , that which gives greatest ease to the languid muscles . The child stands with its weight supported on one leg , the body swayed to that side , the knee of the other side bent , and the hip lowered . The limb which it uses on

    this occasion for support is almost always the right limb ; for this simple reason , that it is the strongest . And the child assumes the position at all times , because it is one of change from its former more rigid position , and because , in addition , the fascial structure of the limb takes off , in that posture , some of the strain from the muscles . " Let me , in passing , observe that what has been already said sufficiently indicates the source of one minor kind of displacement that is not unfrequent . The ri « ht ancle constantly rested on grows inwards—that is to say , the joint gives inwards , its ligaments being elongated by the perpetual strain . In like manner , or from the same cause , the knee will give iuwards—one limb becoming

    in-kneed . 41 The child , thus weakened by its habitual inexertion , » nd tired by the discipline of the morning , is standing supported on its right leg . To judge of what is happening to its back at the same time , place before you a healthy child , and , having instructed it to rest its weight alternately on both its legs , and , us in the position supposed , upon one only , observe its back when the alteration to the latter takes place . You may distinctly see that the straight line of its back becomes , in the second case , a serpentine flexure—the ordinary flexure of curvature . The mechanical elements of the . change are equally obvious . At the time that the weight of the frame is transferred to the right limb , the loft side of the pelvis is Been to sink ; but the spinal column is attached at right angles to the middle of the pelvis ; if the whole length of the column continued vertical to its base , the child

    would have fallen towards the unsupported side ; the column , to avoid this consequence , is instinctively bent at the upper part of the loins to the right , to throw the weight well over to the right Hide ; but the degree of flexion required for this purpose would carry the nock considerably out of the perpendicular ; another contrary bend is therefore requisite , which beams in the middle of the back , and terminates at the root of the neck . Those are the elements of the simultaneous changes which ensue—the inclination of tho pelvis to the left , the flexure of the lower part of the Hpine to tho right , of the upper pnrt towards the left . They may be thus experimentally produced in the flexuous spine , of the healthiest child , aH quickly re-( lres * te < l , and the spine restored to straitness . Ihey aro thus likewise inseparable , not successive , but

    simultaneous parts of one action . " Let us now apply the preceding observations to children with backs weakened in bone , sinew , muscle . This position of rest , this Htanclii > g-at-e » B « -, to which they are more prone than other children , and which becomes habitual , brings the spinal column into the following relation to the weight of the body , arms , and head . It is no longer a straight pillar of support ; but , so long as the posture , is maintained , a flexuous one . That would matter little , if all the elements of tho column were strong and rigid . But they arc weak , debilitated , disposed to yield , and they give accordingly ; and the flexures become ' , « ot the temporary yielding of elutUit : joint " , but i ) t'rin » ii < ' » i givingx and yielding of weakened texture ** . Once be ^ un , the change can but progi chh , and the greater

    the obliquity at each part , the greater the mechanical inability of the spine to resist the growing evil . " To counteract this tendency to curvature Dr . Mayo proposes these rules : — " 1 . In the first place , a child should be broken of the habit of standing on one leg in preference to the other . It should be made to stand on both alternately . Mr . Jenkins , whose ingenious instructions have been of so much use to the youth of the last five-and-twenty years , observed to me that there was one sure receipt for producing crookedness : ' For this purpose , ' he remarked , ' a child should bolt his food and habitually stand on one leg '—the evils proceeding from the mischievous combination of bad digestion with faulty habits oi posture are well conveyed in this apophthegm .

    " 2 . All other postures are to be avoided which tend to give predominance to one side , or to incline it always to the same side . 41 3 . Exercises which promote the strength of the back should be systematically employed ; exercises , however , in which the limbs are not weighted , but which consist in the assumption of a succession of attitudes . Much natural grace , and ease of posture and gesture , are collaterally obtained by such practices , when judiciously selected " 4 The dress of a girl should not bind her chest , but should be , in fact , as light and incompressive as that of a boy , and as much indulgence in play and sportive amusement allowed as may be consistent with the habits it is right to encourage . " 5 . In sitting , when already tired , the child should rest well back on her chair , the spine resting against the back of the chair , thoroughly supported by it , and the seat of the chair reaching to the bend of the knees . Her feet should be equally supported .

    •* Such are the precautions necessary to be observed against spinal curvature ; and they are sufficient to prevent it . I'o remove it entirely , when it exists to any great extent , is impossible ; to remedy it in part during growth , always practicable ; to obliterate it at its commencement , not 1 pss 8 O . The partial introduction , however , of other principles of treatment becomes necessary when curvature has begun . " In a note to an excellent article on physical education by Dr . Barlow , of Bith , in the Cyclopcedia of Practical Medicine , Dr . Forbes adds , of his own observation , that in a school which he had inspected not one female child that had resid ° d there two years had a straight spine!—a serious comment on the text—not to exclude from the education of girls that enjoyment of air and exercise which nature claims for them "

    Well worthy of attention is this inference drawn from an ascertained condition : — " It is not equally easy to prove , but on reflection it appears no less certain , that the nervous power of the brain is lowered in sleep ; that the depression of the cerebral circulation is accompanied by depression of cerebral energy . But how else are we to account for the slowness or suspension of digestion during sleep , the feebleness of the heart ' s action , the susceptibility of cold . ' The steam has been turned off , ' and the body is relaxed ; its functions ( a fact best perhaps shown in hybernating animals ) are half at a stand still ; that which imparts force and activity to every function is no longer generated in adequate power and quantity ; the brain , the main source of nervous energy , is in repose . 41 if

    The bearing of these conclusions , just , upon cerebral disease , is of great importance . Brain attacks generally come on du . ing the night , and during sleep . That is to say , they mostly supervene at the time when the power of the brain is lowered . They are then , in some degree , connected with depression of the cerebral forces . They are favoured by weakness and exhaustion of the brain . " The attacks to which I refer are epilepsy , apoplexy , palsy , the common impression respecting which is , that they proceed from determination of blood to the brain , or from some kind of force or pressure operating actively to disturb the functionn of the organ . I believe , on the contrary , that in the majority of cases , especially in advanced life , these seizures , taken as a class , result from cerebral failure , from weakness , depression of power , temporary or permanent , of some part or the whole of the brain .

    " It does not contravene the preceding conclusion , that these complaints arc liable to be primarily induced by action in the head;—that where they do not result from alteration of structure they often may be traced to habits of full living and strong excitement , which have frequently thrown the blood in hurried and violent circulation through the brain—and that besides , in many instances , a loaded and laboured circulation goes with , and gives increased danger to such attacks—and that nothing is more likely to benefit the latter class of cases than diminution , by means of cupping , of the quantity of blood in the vessels , lint grouping together all cerebral

    seizures that take the form of lits , 1 believe that the cases in which cerebrul congestion is a feature are the exceptions ; and that it iH most important , the practice grounded on this principle should be recognized , that diminishing the . (( uuntity of blond is not . the appropriate , remedy for cerebral seizures . The majority of such cases are . sudden failu . ro of the powers of the brain , which lowering the circulation will but additionally depress . I might make , this remark in its practical bearing more general . It is certain that in many acute attacks and cases of insidious congestion life in saved by bleeding . But how many an ; then ; not , in which the chance of life is lessened by tho same means . "

    One ( Ioch not look for etymologies in worka like the present , but Dr . Mayo relaxes from the severity of science now and then into claHsicul quotation and allusion . Mcni ' unuuu the i / low of health and

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    March 15 , 1851 . ] < fft > * % * && *? + 25 *

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), March 15, 1851, page 251, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1874/page/15/