THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE.

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A lazy, indolent disposition proves likewise very hurtful togirls at this period. One seldom meets with complaints fromobstructions amongst the more active and industrious part ofthe sex ; whereas the indolent and lazy are seldom free fromthem. These are, in.a manner, eaten up by the chlorosis, orgreensickness, and other diseases of this nature. We wouldtherefore recommend it to all who wish to escape these calami-ties, to avoid indolence and inactivity, as their greatest ene-mies, and to be as much abroad in the open air as possible.

Another thing that proves very hurtful to girls about thisperiod of life is unwholesome food. Fond of all manner oftrash, they often indulge in it till their whole humors arequite vitiated. Hence ensue indigestions, want of appetite,and a numerous train of evils. If the fluids be not duly pre-pared, it is utterly impossible that the secretions should beproperly performed. Accordingly, we find that such girls aslead an indolent life and eat great quantities of trash are notonly subject to obstructions of the menses, but likewise .to glan-dular obstructions, as the scrofula or king's evil, &c.

A dull disposition is likewise very hurtful to girls at thisperiod. It is a rare thing to see a sprightly girl who does notenjoy good health, while the grave, moping, melancholy crea-ture proves the very prey of vapors and hysterics. Youth isthe season of mirth and cheerfulness. Let it therefore beindulged. It is an absolute duty. To lay in a stock of healthin time of youth is as necessary a piece of prudence as tomake provision against the decays of old age. While there-fore wise nature prompts the happy youth to join in sprightlyamusements, let not the severe dictates of hoary age forbid theuseful impulse, nor damp with serious gloom the season des-tined to mirth and innocent festivity.

Another thing very hurtful to females about this period oflife is strait clothes. They are fond of a fine shape, and fool-ishly imagine that this can be acquired by lacing themselvestight. Hence, by squeezing the stomach and bowels, theyhurt the digestion, and occasion many incurable maladies.This error is not indeed so common as it has been ; but, asfashions change, it may come about again : we therefore thinkit not improper to mention it. I know many females who tothis day feel the direful effects ofthat wretched custom whichprevailed some time ago, of squeezing every girl into as 'smalla size in the middle as possible. Human invention could notpossibly have devised a practice more destructive to health.32*