THK H()ME. FA KM AND lil'SINKSS ( ' V( 'LOP. F.I >I A. 



Riinniii<j is an exercise which is intermediate between walking and 

 leaping; it consists, in fact, of a series of leaps performed in progression 

 from one foot to another, and the degree of its rapidity bears a constant 

 proportion to the length of the individual and successive leaps. Although 

 this and other gymnastic exercises, such as leaping, wrestling, throwing 

 heavy weights, etc., may, when judiciously had recourse to, invigorate the 

 body, yet, from apprehension of the evils and accidents which may be so 

 occasioned, young persons ought not to be permitted to engage extensively 

 in such exercises, except under the care of some one well acquainted with 

 gymnastics. 



Fencing is of all active exercises that which is the most commendable, 

 inasmuch as it throws open the chest, and at the same time calls into ac- 

 tion the muscles both of the upper and lower extremities. Add to this, 

 that it improves very much the carriage of the body ; for which reason it 

 may be reckoned a branch of polite education. 



Dancing is exhilarating and healthful, and seems to be almost the only 

 active exercise which the despotic laws of fashion permit young ladies to 

 enjoy. 



Riding is generally classed among the passive exercises, but in reality 

 it is one which involves much action of the whole frame, and as such is 

 very useful for health. Pursued solitarily, it has the drawback of being 

 somewhat dull ; but, when two or three ride in company, a sufficient flow 

 of the nervous energy may be obtained. 



The amount of bodily exercise which should be taken must rary accord- 

 ing to the habits, strength, and general health of the individual. It was 

 an aphorism of Boerhaave, that every person should take at least two 

 hours' exercise in the day, and this may be regarded as a good general 

 rule. 4 



MENTAL EXERCISE. Having thus explained the laws and regulations 

 by which exercise may be serviceable to the physical system, we shall pro- 

 ceed to show that the same rules hold good respecting the mental facul- 

 ties. These, as is generally allowed, however immaterial in one sense, are 

 connected organically with the brain a portion of the animal system 

 nourished by the same blood, and regulated by the same vital laws, as the 

 muscles, bones, and nerves. As, by disuse, muscle becomes emaciated, 

 bone softens, blood-vessels are obliterated, and nerves lose their natural 

 structure, so, by, disuse, does the brain fall out of its proper state, and 

 create misery to its possessor ; and as, by over-exertion, the waste of the 

 animal system exceeds the supply, and debility and unsoundness are pro- 

 duced, so, by over-exertion, are the functions of the brain liable to be de- 



