32 THE MUSCLES. 



especially, it is a very popular exercise, and is practised 

 habitually by almost every class of society ; by the wealthy 

 as well as by those who have no carriages; by women as 

 well as by men. 



19. Running, leaping, and certain other more rapid and 

 Violent movements, are the forms of exercise that are 

 most enjoyed in childhood. For the child, they are not 

 too severe, but they may be so prolonged as to become 

 injurious. Instances have been recorded where sudden 

 death has resulted after violent playing, from overtaxing 

 the heart: for example, we have the case of a young girl 

 who, while skipping the rope, and endeavoring to excel 

 her playmates by jumping the greatest number of times, 

 fell dead from rupture of the heart. 



20. Carriage-riding, as a means of passive exercise, is par- 

 ticularly well suited to invalids, and persons advanced in 

 life. Horseback exercise brings into use a greater number 

 of muscles than any other one exercise, and with it there 

 is an exhilaration of feeling which refreshes the mind at the 

 same time. It is one of the manliest of exercises, but not 

 less suitable for women than for men. To be skilful in 

 riding, it is best to begin its practice in youth ; but there 

 are very few kinds of exercise of which the same is not 

 equally true. 



21. For those who live near streams or bodies of water, 

 there are the delightful recreations of boating, swimming, 

 and skating. Certain of these exercises have a practical 

 importance aside from and above their use in increasing 

 the physical vigor. This is especially true of boating and 

 swimming, since they are often the means of saving life. 

 Practice in these exercises also teaches self-reliance, 

 courage, and presence of mind. Persons who have become 

 proficient in these vigorous exercises are generally the ones. 



1 9. What is paid of running, and other like movements ? What, as related to 

 childhood ? What instance:* are a I hided to ? Example ? 



20. Carriage-riding? Horseback-riding? 



21. Boating, swimming, and skating ? 



