238 BOXING. 



that we are improving in this respect. Probably Americans 

 make too much use of street cars. Walking is the cheapest 

 exercise, -and every one can afford to take it. For those who 

 can afford it horseback riding is admirable. As Dr. Holmes 

 expressed it, " Saddle leather is in some respects even prefer- 

 able to sole leather ; the principal objection to it is of a finan- 

 cial character." Lord Palmerston said "the outside of a 

 horse is the best thing for the inside of a man.' 7 Bicycle riding 

 is an excellent substitute. Perhaps livery bills would prove 

 cheaper and more agreeable than doctors' bills. 



Boxing. Boxing is a splendid exercise. It calls into 

 play nearly every muscle of the body. Many pieces of appa- 

 ratus in a gymnasium are for the especial purpose of working 

 certain muscles. But a pair of boxing-gloves may be said to 

 contain a whole gymnasium. Many kinds of work in a gym- 

 nasium are likely to be overdone, especially if not under the 

 direct supervision of a good director. One may overlift or 

 overstrain himself. But in boxing there is little tendency in 

 this direction. Boxing makes one quick on his feet, trains to 

 quick movements of the arms, trains the eye, keeps the body 

 in an erect position, and especially develops the muscles of 

 the legs and back. Cycling seems (though an excellent ex- 

 ercise) to make round shoulders. But boxing brings out the 

 chest and shoulders. It developes the " wind," and keeps one 

 in constant action. It teaches control of the temper more 

 than almost any other form of exercise. It develops a degree 

 of self-reliance that is worth much. Instead of developing a 

 tendency to become involved in quarrels, it prevents getting 

 into such disgraceful affairs. The man who knows that he 

 can defend himself when it becomes necessary is far less 

 likely to pay serious attention to idle bluster and slight provo- 

 cation than one not so trained. And it may prove valuable to 

 know how to defend one's self from the attack of a ruffian, or 



