.

24. "GIRLS SOMETIMES GET THE IDEA that it is nice to be 'weak' and
'delicate,' but they cannot get a more false idea! God meant women to be
strong and able-bodied, and only by being so can they be happy and capable
of imparting happiness to others. It is only by being strong and healthy
that they can be perfect in their sexual nature; and it is only by being
perfect in this part of their being that you can become a noble, grand and
beautiful woman.

25. "UP TO THE AGE of puberty, if the girl has grown naturally, waist, hips
and shoulders are about the same in width, the shoulders being, perhaps, a
trifle the broadest. Up to this time the sexual organs have grown but
little. Now they take a sudden start and need more room. Nature aids the
girls; the tissues and muscles increase in size and the pelvis bones
enlarge. The limbs grow plump, the girl stops growing tall and becomes
round and full. Unsuspected strength comes to her; tasks that were once
hard to perform are now easy; her voice becomes sweeter and stronger. The
mind develops more rapidly even than the body; her brain is more active and
quicker; subjects that once were {388} dull and dry have unwonted interest;
lessons are more easily learned; the eyes sparkle with intelligence,
indicating increased mental power; her manner denotes the consciousness of
new power; toys of childhood are laid away; womanly thoughts and pursuits
fill her mind; budding childhood has become blooming womanhood. Now, if
ever, must be laid the foundation of physical vigor and of a healthy body.
Girls should realize the significance of this fact. Do not get the idea
that men admire a weakly, puny, delicate, small-waisted, languid, doll-like
creature, a libel on true womanhood. Girls admire men with broad chests,
square shoulders, erect form, keen bright eyes, hard muscles and undoubted
vigor. Men also turn naturally to healthy, robust, well-developed girls,
and to win their admiration girls must meet their ideals. A good form, a
sound mind and a healthy body are within the reach of nine out of ten of
our girls by proper care and training. Physical bankruptcy may claim the
same proportion if care and training are neglected.

26. "A WOMAN FIVE FEET TALL should measure two feet around the waist and
thirty-three inches around the hips. A waist less than this proportion
indicates compression either by lacing or tight clothing. Exercise in the
open air, take long walks and vigorous exercise,