the matter will perceive at once that the first requirement is a basis of support upon which the petticoats that are to be worn may be suspended, and also that this article, whatever name it may bear, should form an artificial muscular coating fitted with the greatest exactitude, and at the same time having that elasticity which, whilst giving no undue pressure upon any part, shall yield to every motion of the body, and allow it to assume any posture which it may be desirable to take. This first object being accomplished, all the other clothing may be added, as necessity, choice, or fashion may direct.
And here we may be permitted to say a word or two about fashion, not as the general custom is, to inveigh against it, for variety is pleasing, and change in the fashion of costume has many advantages: and these changes really are wonderful. An anonymous rhymer nearly a century ago said of the ladies—
Now loose in a Mop, now close in a Joan;
Without handkerchief now, now buried in ruff,
Now plain as a Quaker, now all of a puff.
Now a shape in neat stays, now a slattern in jumps,
Now high in French heels, now low in your pumps;
Now monstrous in hoops, now tapish in walking,
With your petticoats clung to your heels like a maulkin.
