The glory of the experience came, however, when plates and
food were packed away, for then a "little recreation" was considered
necessary before lessons were resumed; and the "recreation," as a rule,
resolved itself into taking flying leaps over forms piled in
extraordinary positions one on the top of another, or alongside each
other. I am afraid it is not a very dignified confession for an elderly
matron to make, but those impromptu gymnastics on forms are amongst the
most delightful recollections of my childhood. The little girls of the
present day practise calisthenics, and perform wonderful feats with
ropes and giant strides; I hope they know something of the delight we
used to get out of our deftly-arranged forms.
As I have already said, however, afternoon school is a thing unknown to
the majority of the fortunate girls who attend our high schools and
collegiate establishments. According to present arrangements girls reach
school at half-past nine, and they remain till half-past one, having an
interval of half an hour between eleven and twelve for rest and
refreshment. Then the pupils separate, and the elder ones go home with
any amount of "home work" to prepare, while the younger ones remain at
school to learn their home lessons with the assistance of the teachers.
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