SS HORSE-BACK RIDING. 



it aids digestion, and at the same time furnishes 

 exercise for the muscles. 



Muscular paralysis may be due to two causes : ist. 

 To a faulty innervation, and, 2d. To defective 

 nutrition, which may render the muscles incapable 

 of responding to the stimulus of the motor nerves. 



Friedberg, in a paper upon muscular paralysis, 

 states that, ** When, as far as can be discovered, ner- 

 vous conductibility, power of will, and state of the 

 nervous centre are normal, paralysis may occur, and 

 that it is due to a defective nutrition.'* 



Muscular atrophy is dependent upon lesions of the 

 cerebro-spinal axis of the sympathetic system, or 

 upon alteration of the nutritive power especially 

 localized in the muscles affected. 



In the last forms of the two diseases above men- 

 tioned, in hemiplegia or paraplegia, where paralysis 

 is not complete, or where the power of moving has 

 in part been regained, in paralysis following hysteria, 

 and in localized forms of this affection, it is evident 

 that horse-back riding must be of great service. 



It quickens the circulation, excites the nerves, and 

 as the movements required are generally those ex- 

 ecuted by many muscles working together, the dis- 

 abled part is solicited if not forced to become active. 



c. Hysteria. — An affection characterized by ner- 

 vous derangement, producing spasmodic contraction 

 of the muscles, especially those of the throat, dysp- 

 noea, palpitation of the heart, a sensation as if a ball 



