Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

It proves, though our foes from their envy should hate us,f* ach driw babost Our friends will rise up, like a crop of potatoes colib Who knows but they'll find us a Major O'Flarty, d To give a big whack to the Great Bonaparte, Gilead

[ocr errors]

The following Observations on those Games that are considered detrimental to Health, are particularly recommended to the Attention of our young Readers; they are

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

to furnish a complete list of the various an usements which have been introduced among children, yet I conceive it will not be difficult, from the nature of those I shall mention, to understand the tendency of others, with which I may be unac quainted. Thus, if I succeed in exciting a sufficient degree of interest on this topic, the reflecting parent will, I presume, be enabled to draw useful inferences from my general observations.

Almost every game may tend to injure health, by the manner in which it is played. The limits allotted to this work, however, do not admit of entering into minute explanations. He who possesses but a slight knowledge of the human frame, cannot fail to discriminate between safety and danger, as every thing depends upon the relative strength and exercise of the young individual. By gradual practice, for instance, one boy may attain to a degree of dexterity in fencing and leaping; which exercises cannot be attempted by another without exposing himself to certain destruction.

But there are various postures which are always attended with danger, inasmuch as they may occasion dislocations or ruptures. Hence parents ought, in this respect, to be attentive to the following gym2TM nastic amusements of their children.

1. When young people are standing, and bend their head backwards to the ground, with a view to tumble over: on this occasion they endeavour to preserve the equilibrium by a sudden turn, and often experience dangerous falls. Thus the muscles of the abdomen are preternaturally stretched, the intestines are violently pressed downwards, and ruptures frequently produced.-When children attempt to climb, they might undertake this species of muscular exercise with more safety and success without shoes, especially if these do not fit the feet, as they soon learn to employ the latter with great firmness and flexibility. Hence boys in the country are incomparably more expert in this pursuit than the youth of towns, who more easily injure themselves by falling.

2. Wantonly jumping for a considerable height, whether up or down, is attended with a violent concussion and extension of the muscles. The performers should therefore be instructed to make such efforts with inflected knees; to let themselves down first on the points of the toes, and then gradually descend on the soles of the feet.

3. Nor should too forcible exertions of muscular power be suffered at this tender age; for the lifting of great weights, particularly the raising of a ponderous substance from the ground, and bending back the upper part of the body, are extremely dangerous attempts; because, while in such attitudes, the muscles of the lower belly are contracted, and the bowels compressed between the midriff; respiration is obviously impeded; and thus ruptures are easily occasioned. We often observe

young and feeble children lifting and carrying others of a much larger size, which, for the reasons above stated, ought never to be permitted.

4. All partial exercise of the body, by which only one arm or leg is exerted, has a tendency to give the body a crooked form. Hence, playing at nine-pins, drawing hand-carts, carrying burdens on one arın or shoulder, all are pernicious. The principal injury, however, arises from continuing such employ-. ment for several hours together; because, if it be practised with moderation, and but occasionally resorted to, its tendency is beneficial rather than hurtful. Young people, therefore, ought to be. taught to make use of both arms, for we generally neglect the improvement of the left hand; and it would be very desirable to contrive games in which both arms may be alternately exercised.

5. Sedentary plays, if long persevered in, are productive or bad consequences, because they are apt to bend the spine, and distort the body. The spinal column being too weak to support the incumbent part of the frame, the vertebræ yields to one side, in consequence of long continued sedentary employments; for which reason all games of this nature ought to be strictly prohibited.

6. Long standing is likewise detrimental to the straight growth of children: and as their legs are too feeble, by preponderating to one side, the same injurious effect is produced.

The games of children ought to be adapted in conformity to these observations. Bodily exercise is to them indispensably necessary, provided it be regulated according to the rules and cautions before detailed in such case, it will neither endanger their health nor their lives, and we need be under no apprehension from their efforts to climb or leap. Those, indeed, who tremble at every declivity, and will scarcely venture to move from the spot, are in

greater danger of receiving injury than the spirited and courageous boy, who generally is the most successful. Mothers are on the whole too anxious on these occasions, because their tender sex is not accustomed to bodily exercise: hence, by checking their little ones in every effort of leaping, they contribute to render them timid, without considering that by such injudicious means they are ill prepared for encountering future dangers. For instance, in accidents from fire, they will be unable to save either their own lives or those of others; and if they in the least venture upon a sudden emergency, they hazard more than they are qualified to over.

come.

(To be continued in our next.)

Beauties of the Drama.

FILIAL AFFECTION.

FROM KOTZEBUE'S NATURAL SON, ACT I. SC. 8.

Frederick and Wilhelmina.

Fred. So I must have something to drink-a warm day-stay-how stands my cash?-(counting money.)-Here's enough for a breakfast and dinner, and, please Heaven, I shall be at home in the evening! Well then, I must quench my thirst-Here, landlord! (Sees Wil.) Ha! who is here? A poor weak woman, drooping and sick! Eh-she does not ask for relief-but her situation demands it!Shall we withhold assistance till we are asked for it? No, no-I will go without my drink, then there will be sufficient for dinner;-it shall be so-benevolence can satisfy both hunger ann thirst! Here, good woman! (Approaching her with money.)

Wil. Frederick !

Fred. Ha!-My mother!-Oh, Heaven! in this unhappy situation! What is the matter! Oh, tell me, dear mother!-

Wil. Frederick, I cannot speak!-This unexpected meeting

Fred. Be composed, dear mother! You are trembling! Alas! you faint

Wil. Weakness! My head turns round! I had nothing to eat yesterday!

Fred. Merciful Heaven! (Opens his knapsack bastily) Here is all my wealth! Here is my cloak, coat. arms too! I will sell them all! Oh, my dear mother! -Hallo, landlord! (Knocks at a public house.) A bottle of wine! ... Speedily, or I will break every window in your house!—Nothing to eat all yesterday! And I had plenty! I had a good supper at the inu, while my poor mother was starving! Oh, Heaven! is this the happiness I flattered myself on my return?

Wil. Dear Frederick, be pacified; I have thee again in my arms-I am now recovered! Ah! I have been very ill! I thought I should never see thee more!

Fred. Been very ill-and Frederick not with thee! Mother, mother, I will never leave thee again! See how strong and healthy I am! Ob, then I can work for thy support!

LOVE.

(COUNT BENYOWSKI, ACT III. SC. 7.)

Benyowski, Governor, Athanasia.

Atha. Dear father

Gov. Well, Athanasia?

Atha. Oh, I have found you at last!

« ПредишнаНапред »