preferable to having the bodice of the dress, the under-bodice, or the stays wadded, as if the pad is loose it can be removed when the game is not being played. It should not, however, be removed immediately after playing, as this might cause the player to take cold on the chest.
The following remarks made by the Lancet[1] on this subject will be read with interest not only for the soundness of the principles involved, but also as showing that that valuable journal is more tolerant on the subject of "female emancipation" than might have been supposed from the passages quoted on page 181:—
"The announcement of a cricket match between an eleven of ladies and an eleven from a girls' school has caused an apprehension in the minds of some of the risk to which feminine players are exposed. One correspondent points out the consequences likely to ensue from a blow received on the breast from a cricket-ball, either delivered from the bowler's hand or struck by the bat. Doubtless a severe blow on the breast might lead to serious consequences in fully developed women by excitation of any latent tendency to cancer, and in young girls by arresting the development of the mammary gland. Still, we think, the risk might be reduced to a minimum if the feminine players wore a well-padded corset both in the field and at the wicket. We should regret that a game, really well suited as an exercise for girls, should be discouraged simply on account of a risk that could
- ↑ July 4th, 1885.
