SWIMMING FOR GIRLS.

Western Star, Issue 281, 25 January 1879, Page 2 (Supplement)

SWIMMING FOR GIRLS.

The public are continually, reminded of the numerous contrivances, supports, stays,', shoulder straps, etc., and the" various, exercises that are: best calculated to prevent round shoulders, a stooping, awkward gait, contracted chests, and so forth, but perhaps there is no kind of exercise for girls more calculated to attain those desired objects than that of swimming. During the act of swimming the head is thrown; back : , the ■ chest well forward, while the thoracic and respiratory muscles are in strong action, and both the Upper and lower extremities are brought into full play. Indeed, in a health-point of view, females would often | have an advantage over the; Stronger sex, as; I owing to 1 the large amourit f of adipose tissue | covering their muscles, and the comparative I smallness and lightness of their bones, they not only have greater power of flotation than 1 men, but os a rule can continue much longer in the water. They are, therefore, naturally qualified to become good swimmers; and Mr. Macgregor mentions that out of a class of thirty girls, whose instruction commenced late last season, twenty-five- were taught to swim in six lessons, and six of them won' prizes. •■lt is tp be hoped,' 'therefore, .that girls will riot be debarred from learning: this 1 graceful and healthful accoriiplisbment either [ through lack of baths or teachers; * Such a ! practice is particularly called for at the present day, as a set-off against the growing [tendency in the ** girls-of the period,” to indulge in those literary and sedentary pur-j | suits which are ariything but vfavorable to the development of a healthy physique.—: i‘ Medical Press and Circular.