EXERCISE OF THE LUNGS. 197 



quent ascent of acclivities, especially in pursuit of 

 an object, are well known to have a powerful effect 

 in improving the wind and strengthening the lungs, 

 which is just another way of saying that they in- 

 crease the capacity of the chest, promote free cir- 

 culation through the pulmonary vessels, and lead to 

 the more complete oxygenation of the blood. 

 Hence the vigorous appetite, the increased muscu- 

 lar power, and cheerfulness of mind so commonly 

 felt by the invalid on his removal to the mountains 

 are not to be wondered at. I was myself sensible 

 of advantage from this kind of exercise during a 

 Highland excursion. The necessity of frequent 

 and deep inspirations, and the stimulus thus given 

 to the general and pulmonary circulation, had an 

 obvious effect in increasing the capacity of the 

 ungs, and the power of bearing exertion without 

 fatigue. Even when I was wearied, the fatigue 

 went off much sooner than after a walk of equal 

 length on a level road, and it was unattended with 

 the languor which generally accompanied the latter. 

 In fact, the most agreeable feeling which 1 expe- 

 rienced during the whole time was on resting after 

 undergoing, in ascending a hill, a degree of exer- 

 tion sufficient to accelerate the breathing, and bring 

 out a considerable degree of perspiration. A light- 

 ness and activity of mind, and freedom about the 

 chest which I never felt to the same extent at any 

 other time, followed such excursions, and made the 

 fatigue comparatively light. 



Before such practices, however, can be resorted 

 to with advantage, or even with safety, there must 

 be nothing in the shape of active disease existing. 

 If there be, the adoption of such exercise will, in 

 all probability, occasion the most serious injury. 

 This also I experienced in my own case, as, for 

 many months at an earlier stage of convalescence, 

 going up a stair, ascending the most gentle acclivity, 

 or speaking aloud for a few minutes, was equally 



