26 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



skilfully cooked and daintily served, and of course 

 this is especially necessary for invalids. 



It is also interesting to know that our state of 

 mind at meal time has great influence on the appetite 

 as well as on the nerves controlling digestion. The 

 old saying, " Laugh and grow fat," is thought to 

 have considerable foundation of truth. As a rule, 

 people who go to meals having their minds occu- 

 pied with work or worry, are more likely to have 

 insufficient appetite and poor digestion than those 

 who put such things aside for the time, and pass the 

 meal hour in pleasant conversation. The explana- 

 tion is simple. Mental exercise as well as physical 

 requires blood. Consequently, if we are absorbed in 

 thought while eating, an extra supply of blood is 

 required by the brain. On the other hand, in 

 pleasant conversation there is no special demand 

 for blood from any other organ, so the stomach may 

 obtain a larger share. 



Besides, a happy state of mind no doubt gives 

 a healthful impetus to the glands, just as a pleas- 

 ant day is naturally stimulating to the mind and body. 

 Being wise body builders then, it is for us to be careful 

 in regard to all of these points. We will not swallow 

 our food in a great rush to get out to play, because 

 chewing it thoroughly will help us to play with greater 

 skill and relish when the proper time comes. We 

 will use but little seasoning, knowing that too much 

 is hurtful. We will go to our meals with minds 



