for partaking
of such simple rations.

Those who came here with suitable clothing could have been counted on
one's fingers. The gospel of good apparel according to Miss Phelps and
Mrs. Woolson had not then been preached; and, although the testimony of
plain, every-day doctors, and of learned medical professors was that
they had labored earnestly for many years to persuade women to wear
flannel underclothing and thick-soled shoes, Fashion's frown had
deterred the mothers from accepting the advice, so what could be
expected from the daughters but a following of the same customs, and an
increased tendency to rheumatism, neuralgia, congestions, and other
besetments of low vital force?

These statements give a glimpse of the work which came to the resident
physician in this houseful of young people, and also of some or the
obstacles that prevented the early establishment of a satisfactory
regimen. But progress was all the while making in the right direction,
though there were many failures and discouragements; and, best of all,
there was the same nucleus that President Raymond speaks of, viz., a
group of intelligent, conscientious students, who, once having learned
physiological truths, accepted them as guides in daily living; and from
this group emanated an influence that was felt, to a greater or less
degree, by even the youngest and most frivolous.

Gradually it became disgraceful to have hysterics, or to give other
marked evidence of a want of self-control: a good appetite that was
regularly appeased by plain, nutritious food came to be regarded, first,
as not unladylike; second, as quite proper; and last, as a desired
blessing: thin walking shoes, insufficient clothing, squeezed-up waists,
and the like, grew in disfavor till they were stamped "vulgar," and the
careful gymnastic drill, with its appropriate light, warm, loose dress,
taught to many their first lesson of physical freedom.

To Elizabeth M. Powell (now Mrs. Henry Bond, of Florence, Mass.), who
was the first Instructor in Physical Training after the gymnasium was
built, and who for five years pursued her admirable method with more and
more success, the college is greatly indebted for the thorough respect
which that department has always commanded, and for its harmonious
co-operation in the primary business of these students in science and
literature.

Just as the courses of study became more definite in aim and
requirement, as the work of each class was