THE MUSCLES 141 



qualities. Men trained in such sports may often stop 

 panics and save lives in cases of accidents, or in other emer- 

 gencies. Walking, if not done too leisurely, is fine exer- 

 cise. Americans probably make too much use of street 

 cars. English women are noted as walkers, going many 

 miles at a time, and in the cooler parts of the United 

 States, and in cold weather in the Gulf states, this custom 

 would be equally beneficial in preventing nervousness and 

 weakness. Running is a still better exercise, but it should 

 be begun gradually and with caution, so as to give heart 

 and lungs opportunity to become strong enough to sustain 

 the increased effort required of them. One should never 

 run with the mouth open ( 272). 



240. Boxing is fine exercise but should never be in- 

 dulged in with the bare hands. Two pairs of boxing 

 gloves may be said to contain a whole gymnasium. Boxing 

 makes one sure and quick on his feet, trains the eye, keeps 

 the body in an erect position, develops the arms, legs, and 

 back, and teaches control of temper. Wrestling is equally 

 beneficial, developing the "wind" and the muscles of the 

 whole body. It should never be practiced in the house, 

 unless in a gymnasium, and where there is ample space 

 and no injurious objects to fall upon. Training in these 

 manly arts will make one " less likely to pay serious atten- 

 tion to idle bluster, and less likely to quarrel ; and it may 

 prove valuable to know how to defend oneself from the 

 attack of a ruffian, or bully, or drunken brute, or other 

 infuriated animal." 



241. Cycling when properly done is excellent exer- 

 cise, but the cycler that gets a foolish notion of trying for 

 speed (and most of them do) usually brings on the deform- 

 ity of round shoulders. 



242. Dancing, in itself, is said to be exhilarating 

 exercise. As usually conducted, indoors instead of out- 

 doors, prolonged to late hours, with overheating, and (in 



