We have both a
boys' school and a girls' school within view; and the contrast
between them is remarkable. In the one case nearly the whole of a
large garden is turned into an open, gravelled space, affording
ample scope for games, and supplied with poles and horizontal bars
for gymnastic exercises. Every day before breakfast, again towards
eleven o'clock, again at mid-day, again in the afternoon, and once
more after school is over, the neighbourhood is awakened by a
chorus of shouts and laughter as the boys rush out to play; and for
as long as they remain, both eyes and ears give proof that they are
absorbed in that enjoyable activity which makes the pulse bound and
ensures the healthful activity of every organ. How unlike is the
picture offered by the Establishment for Young Ladies! Until the
fact was pointed out, we actually did not know that we had a girls'
school as close to us as the school for boys. The garden, equally
large with the other, affords no sign whatever of any provision for
juvenile recreation; but is entirely laid out with prim
grass-plots, gravel-walks, shrubs, and flowers, after the usual
suburban style. During five months we have not once had our
attention drawn to the premises by a shout or a laugh. Occasionally
girls may be observed sauntering along the paths with their
lesson-books in their hands, or else walking arm-in-arm.
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