If a mother has leisure and good sense, and more than one daughter, I
think she could best educate them herself; but as many family reasons
render it necessary sometimes to send them from home, boarding-schools
are fixed on. I must own it is my opinion, that the manners are too much
attended to in all schools; and in the nature of things it cannot be
otherwise, as the reputation of the house depends upon it, and most
people can judge of them. The temper is neglected, the same lessons are
taught to all, and some get a smattering of things they have not
capacity ever to understand; few things are learnt thoroughly, but many
follies contracted, and an immoderate fondness for dress among the rest.
To prepare a woman to fulfil the important duties of a wife and mother,
are certainly the objects that should be in view during the early period
of life; yet accomplishments are most thought of, and they, and
all-powerful beauty, generally gain the heart; and as the keeping of it
is not considered of until it is lost, they are deemed of the most
consequence. A sensible governess cannot attend to the minds of the
number she is obliged to have. She may have been many years struggling
to get established, and when fortune smiles, does not chuse to lose the
opportunity of providing for old age; therefore continues to enlarge her
school, with a view to accumulate a competency for that purpose.
Domestic concerns cannot possibly be made a part of their employment, or
proper conversations often entered on. Improper books will by stealth be
introduced, and the bad example of one or two vicious children, in the
play-hours, infect a number. Their gratitude and tenderness are not
called forth in the way they might be by maternal affection. Many
miseries does a girl of a mild disposition suffer, which a tender parent
could guard her from. I shall not contest about the graces, but the
virtues are best learnt at home, if a mother will give up her time and
thoughts to the task; but if she cannot, they should be sent to school;
for people who do not manage their children well, and have not large
fortunes, must leave them often with servants, where they are in danger
of still greater corruptions.