44 THE MUSCLES 



and endeavoring to excel her playmates by jumping the great- 

 est number of times, fell dead from rupture of the heart. 



23. Carriage-riding is particularly 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 exer- 

 cises, but not less suitable for women than for men. To be 

 skilful in riding, it should be begun in youth. 



24. For those who live neai 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 who, in times of danger, are the quickest 

 to act and the most certain to do so with judgment. 



25. Physical Culture. That form of exercise which interests 

 and excites the mind, will yield the best results ; but to some 

 persons no kind of exertion whatever is, at first, agreeable. 

 They should, nevertheless, make a trial of some exercise, in 

 the expectation that, as they become proficient in it, it will 

 become more pleasant. In exercise, as many sets of muscles 

 should be employed as possible, open-air exercise being the 

 best. Parlor gymnastics and the discipline of the gymnasium 

 are desirable, but they should not be the sole reliance for 

 physical culture. No in-door exercise, however excellent in 

 itself, can fill the place of hearty and vigorous activity in the 

 open air. (Read Note 4.) 



4. Exercise should be Pleasurable. " The world seldom attaches 

 much value to things which are plain and easily understood. The dervish 

 in the Eastern allegory, well aware of this weakness, knew that it would 

 be in vain to recommend the sultan, for the cure of his disease, simply to 



23. Carriage-riding? Horseback-riding? 



24. Boating, swimming, and skating ? 



25. What kind of exercise yields the best results? What advice is given ? 



