insinuations, similar to those in the stanzas above quoted; but since the length of time during which the fashion has been prevalent, must have sufficed to convince the most sceptical of the falsehood of such insinuations, I am glad to find that my fair readers seem disposed to assume a little more clothing. This, I can assure them, they may safely do, without running any hazard of losing that grace and elegance I have already praised, and from which I should be sorry to see them deviate. It must be confessed that many reasons might be assigned why the modish style of dressing, or rather of undressing, ought still to be encouraged. In the first place, it enables a number of persons to follow the fashion, who otherwise could not do so. Many ladies, for instance, who would find it difficult to muster two or three petticoats, may be able to procure one. Secondly, it is economical; since it not only saves wear and tear, (to use a seaman's phrase) in the articles of gowns, petticoats, and handkerchiefs, but also washing, starching, and other expenses of a similar nature. Thirdly, it admits of more latitude in behaviour, and allows of freedoms which would be apt to excite unpleasant sensations of shame, in a more formal costume. Much, however, as Sir Roger de Coverley observes, may be said on both sides. D d It may be objected, that it lessens that distinction of ranks, with which the welfare of society is supposed to be intimately connected, and enables the maiden to make as fashionable an appearance as her mistress. It strikes at the prosperity of our manufactures, by diminishing the consumption of cottons, cambrics, and other articles of that kind, now become staple commodities. It also tends to encourage indolence, by allowing those hours, which otherwise must be employed in what housewives call cutting and contriving, to be spent in reading novels, and in other occupations of a like frivolous nature. It approximates too closely to the style and appearance of a certain class of females whom modest women should not seek to resemble; although it must be confessed, that many have apparently little objection to copy them in this respect, who, we may charitably hope, would yet be ashamed to imitate their conduct. There are other reasons, independently of what has just been advanced, why levity of dress ought to be discarded by my countrywomen. History affords us many instances, wherein generals, of acknowledged talents, have lost the victory, which fortune seemed to have placed almost within their grasp, by too great confidence in their own resources. In like manner, the light clothing of the ladies, although originally adopted, as has been before observed, to display their innocence, might probably, if longer persisted in, have invited attacks, the eventual consequences of which it was meant to shew had been effectually guarded against. Another and still more striking consideration-for the truth of which I may safely appeal to the observation of all who peruse this paper-is, that of those young ladies who have most distinguished themselves by fashionable nakedness; more have caught colds and consumptions than either lovers or husbands. Those of my fair readers who are proof against this argument, I shall give up as wholly incorrigible. The celebrated authors alluded to in the commencement of this paper, have, in their writings, testified the opinion they entertained of the influence of female dress upon the character and conduct; and the few observations I have thrown together will shew, that my sentiments are in unison with theirs, on this important point. Since I sat down to write the present paper, I have been informed that a grave assembly of divines, at a late solemn meeting,* have taken the subject under consideration, and formally denounced war against "the unjustifiable custom *The Methodist Conference, 1806. of the men wearing lapelled coats, and expensive showy stuffs; the women wearing short sleeves and long-tailed gowns; and the children a superfluity of buttons and ribbons." That part of this passage which relates to gentlemen and children, I shall not touch upon in the present paper, which is solely devoted to female fashions. I shall therefore only advert to the censure passed upon short sleeves, and long-tailed gowns. With the reason upon which this decision has been grounded, I am not acquainted. It cannot, however, be economy; because this principle, although applicable to the latter article, would be infringed by their proposed reformation, in the former. With regard to short sleeves, although they have an appearance of economy, for which I profess myself a decided advocate, I must confess that I should not object to see a little more extravagance in this respect; neither do I think, after the closest inspection I have been able to make, that it would render the charms of my fair countrywomen less attractive. Long trains these gentlemen might probably consider reprehensible, for the reason which I have seen assigned by a late celebrated writer, viz.-" That they may often bring a lady into the most critical circumstances. For should a rude fellow offer `to ravish a kiss, and the lady attempt to avoid it, in retiring she must necessarily tread upon her train, and thus fall fairly upon her back, by which means all the world knows-her clothes may be spoiled.” NUMBER 27. Here is fostered every ill, Which or distemper'd minds or bodies know: Where pleasure's roses, void of serpents, grow.-THOMSON. In a former number, I dwelt, at some length, on the necessity of an attention to trifles, and endeavoured to show that, in many cases, things which are considered in this light by the generality of mankind, are actually of the utmost importance. I purpose to resume the subject in the present paper. In our progress through life, we frequently suffer ourselves to be carried forward by the power of fancy, to some point of imaginary good, in order to reach which, we are ready to sacrifice every intervening object. The usurer, as Addi |