on disease. 

Causes which Lead Girls Astray.--The predisposing causes of sexual 

vices have already been dwelt upon so fully in this volume that we shall 

devote little space to the subject here. We may, however, mention a 

few of the causes which seem to be most active in leading to the 

formation of evil habits among girls. 

Vicious Companions.--Girls are remarkably susceptible to influence by 

those of their own age. A vicious girl who makes herself agreeable to 

those with whom she associates can exert more influence over many of 

her companions than can any number of older persons. Even a mother 

rarely has that influence over her daughter that is maintained by the 

girl whom she holds as her bosom friend. The close friendships which 

are often formed between girls of the same age are often highly 

detrimental in character. Each makes a confidant of the other, and thus 

becomes estranged from the only one competent to give counsel and advice, 

and the one who of all others is worthy of a young girl's 

confidence,--her mother. 

From these unfortunate alliances often arise most deplorable evils. 

Vicious companions not infrequently sow the seeds of evil habits far 

and wide, contaminating all who come within their influence. 

Whom to Avoid.--A girl will always do well to avoid a companion who 

is vain, idle, silly, or frivolous. Girls who have these evil 

characteristics are very likely to have others also which are worse. 

A girl who is rude in her manners, careless in her habits, irreverent 

and disobedient to parents and teachers, is always an unsafe companion. 

No matter how pretty, witty, stylish, or aristocratic she may be, she 

should be shunned. Her influence will be withering, debasing, wherever 

felt. A girl may be gay and thoughtless without being vicious; but the 

chances are ten to one that she will become sinful unless she changes 

her ways. 

Sentimental Books.--The majority of girls love to read, but, 

unfortunately, the kind of literature of which they are chiefly fond 

is not of a character which will elevate, refine, or in any way benefit 

them. Story books, romances, love tales, and religious novels 

constitute the chief part of the reading matter which American young 

ladies greedily devour. We have known young ladies still in their teens 

who had read whole libraries of the most exciting novels. 

The taste for novel-reading is like that for liquor or opium. It is 

never satiated. It grows with gratification. A confirmed novel-reader 

is almost as difficult to reform as a confirmed inebriate or opium-eater. 

The influence upon the mind is most damaging and pernicious. It not 

only destroys the love for solid, useful reading, but excites the 

emotions, and in many cases keeps the passions in a perfect fever of 

excitement. The confessions of young women who were to all appearance 

the most circumspect in every particular, and whom no one mistrusted 

to be capable of vile thoughts, have convinced us that this evil is 

more prevalent than many, even of those who are quite well informed, 

would be willing to admit.