f personal charms, if her countenance is
expressive of intellect and kind feelings, her figure buoyant with
health, and her attire distinguished by a tasteful simplicity, she
cannot fail to be eminently attractive, while ill health--a silly or
unamiable expression, and a vulgar taste--will mar the effect of form
and features the most symetrical. A clever writer has said, "Beauty
is but another name for that expression of the countenance which is
indicative of sound health, intelligence, and good feeling." If
so, how much of beauty is attainable to all! Health, though often
dependant upon circumstances beyond our control, can, in a great
measure, be improved by a rational observance of the laws which nature
has prescribed, to regulate the vital functions.

Over intellect we have still more power. It is capable of being so
trained as to approach daily nearer and nearer to perfection. The
thoughts are completely under our own guidance and must never be
allowed to wander idly or sinfully; they should be encouraged to
dwell on subjects which elevate the mind and shield it from the petty
trivialities which irritate and degrade it.

Nothing is more likely to engender bitter thoughts than idleness and
_ennui_. Occupations should be selected with a view to improve and
amuse; they should be varied, to prevent the lassitude resulting from
monotony; serious meditations and abstract studies should be relieved
by the lighter branches of literature; music should be assiduously
cultivated; nothing more refines and exalts the mind; not the mere
performance of mechanical difficulties, either vocal or instrumental,
for these, unless pursued with extreme caution, enlarge the hand and
fatigue the chest, without imparting the advantages we allude to.

Drawing is highly calculated to enhance feminine beauty; the thoughts
it excites are soothing and serene, the gentle enthusiasm that is felt
during this delightful occupation not only dissipates melancholy
and morbid sensibility, but by developing the judgment and feeling,
imparts a higher tone of character to the expression of the
countenance.

Indolent persons are apt to decide that they have "no taste" for such
or such pursuits, forgetting that tastes may be acquired by the mind
as well as by the palate, and only need a judicious direction.

Frivolous employment, and vitiated sentiments would spoil the
finest face ever created. Body and mind are, in fact, so intimately
connected, that